Nicky Hayden injury update: Former MotoGP champion placed in medically induced coma

Nicky Hayden has been placed in a medically induced coma following a bicycle crash on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old was training on his bicycle on the Rimini coast in Italy when he was struck by a car. He was treated by medics on the scene with life-threatening injuries and was then taken to a local hospital with chest and head trauma.

Hayden was later taken to the Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena for further treatment and possible surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma overnight.

According to Autosport, statements released by the hospital indicated that Hayden had suffered a cerebral edema and several fractures, including to his leg. Doctors were considering an operation inside Hayden's head but were not comfortable that his condition was stable enough for them to do so.

The Maurizio Bufalini Hospital then released the following statement Thursday afternoon:

“Nicky Hayden’s clinical condition remains extremely critical.The young man, who is still in the intensive care unit of Cesena’s Bufalini hospital, has suffered a serious polytrauma with subsequent serious cerebral damage."

Hayden now has his fiancé Jackie by his side as well as his brother Tommy and mother Rose.

The “Kentucky Kid” won the MotoGP World Championship in 2006 and was competing in the World Superbike championship this year. He was 13th in the points following the latest Superbike race at Imola.