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By An Binh  May 1, 2026 | 05:59 pm PT
Motorcycle racer Dinh Hoang Quoc Hieu died after a crash during the final race of a national championship event in Can Tho in southern Vietnam, organizers said.
Hieu, 29, succumbed to his injuries early on May 1 after being hospitalized in critical condition following the incident the previous afternoon.
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Dinh Hoang Quoc Hieu rides the motorcycle numbered 12 in the 2026 National Championship Circuit Motorcycle Cup in Can Tho, southern Vietnam, on April 30, 2025. Photo by Trung Pham |
The rider, a member of the Bo Cau A Trang MFZ 262 Team, was competing in the final race of the 2026 National Championship Circuit Motorcycle Cup at Can Tho Stadium when the crash occurred. During the 10th race, his Yamaha Exciter 150cc lost control while taking a corner.
He was thrown from the motorcycle, striking the track surface and a spectator barrier before losing consciousness. He was transported to Can Tho City General Hospital, where doctors diagnosed multiple severe injuries, including a cervical spine fracture and traumatic brain injury.
Truong Cong Quoc Viet, deputy director of the city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and deputy head of the organizing committee, said preliminary findings suggest a mechanical failure.
"Initial inspections indicate the bike experienced a piston seizure, causing the engine to stop abruptly and leading to the crash," Viet said, noting such failures can occur at high speeds if the engine overheats.
The moment Dinh Hoang Quoc Hieu crashes during the 2026 National Championship Circuit Motorcycle Cup in Can Tho, southern Vietnam, on April 30, 2025. Video by VnExpress
According to Viet, organizers had coordinated with the Vietnam Cycling and Motor Sports Federation to inspect race operations and safety conditions prior to the event.
The track was deemed to meet required standards.
Organizers have visited Hieu's family to offer condolences.
The tournament featured 56 riders from 28 clubs nationwide, competing across three categories: amateur (Suzuki Sport 120cc), professional four-stroke (Exciter 150cc), and professional two-stroke (YAZ 125cc). The event drew large crowds.
