Romano Hummel has died: the world and European champion saw no way out

To be so desperate that one’s own life no longer makes sense, that darkness takes the place of hope, is a terrible thought. When the person affected feels that this is the only way out. Such a step leaves behind questions and bewilderment; it is almost impossible to understand or come to terms with. What remains is the loss of a loved one. On 21 October 2026, Romano Hummel, aged 27, decided to take his own life.

He is one of the most successful speedway riders the Netherlands has ever produced. In 2021, Hummel became the World Long-Track Champion and in 2023 the World Team Champion; in 2022 and 2023, he also won the European Grass-Track Championship. At the end of September 2024, following a nasty crash at the Grand Prix in Vechta, he announced his retirement due to health problems.

Once he had recovered, Hummel returned to the oval and was immediately successful again. In 2026, he became European Champion for the third time on his home track in Aduard and, riding for the Netherlands, won gold for the second time in the Team World Championship in front of a home crowd in Roden.

Hummel had already announced at the end of August that he would be retiring for good at the end of this season. The reasons were of a personal nature, he told SPEEDWEEK.com. Looking back, he offered deep insights at the time, but the signs were difficult to interpret. “Now is the time to get my life back on track. I’ve got so many things on my mind, especially because of my children. My career is coming to an end; I’ve experienced some glorious times.”

We will remember Romano as a magnificent fighter with a unique riding style. He wasn’t one for textbook left-foot control; his leg was already at the rear by the time he entered a bend. Whilst others needed their left leg as a balancing aid, Hummel had such complete control over his bike that he didn’t need it. Also striking were the fluttering fringes he wore on both forearms from early on in his magnificent career.

Topic of the week

Topic of the week: MotoGP’s new schedule proved highly controversial

In 2027, MotoGP will also enter the 850cc era with a new schedule. It was not so much the changes themselves as the way the decisions were reached that caused a stir. A prime example of: ‘Talking helps’.

Thomas Kuttruf

Read More

Our thoughts are with his children, family and friends. Romano, rest in peace.