Romano Hummel, longtrack world champion, dies at 27

Dutch motorcycle racer Romano Hummel has died at the age of 27 in Hoogkerk. The news was confirmed by his family and local media on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Hummel was a highly accomplished athlete, holding the title of 2021 longtrack world champion. His career achievements also included two team world championships and three individual European championships on grass tracks. Just one month prior to his death, he helped lead the Netherlands to a gold medal in the team world championships in Roden.

While the exact cause of death has not been released to respect the family's privacy, local reports indicated that the incident in Hoogkerk was not a road accident. Hummel had recently expressed intentions to retire from professional racing at the end of the season to spend more time with his two children and partner.

The Dutch motorcycle federation (KNMV) has announced it will reserve his racing number, 666, in his honor.