Vale Bronte Holland

Former pro motocross rider Bronte Holland passed away early this morning after suffering a stroke and heart attack yesterday. He was 21.

Holland followed his dreams of becoming one of Australia's fastest motocross riders from an early age. At 16 Bronte left his hometown of Kaniva, in the Mallee district of Victoria, and moved to Bendigo when he scored a rider with the Honda Junior Racing Team.

As he moved into the senior ranks, Bronte became a regular top 10 contender until injuries forced him out of the 2004 season.

Bronte again struggled with injuries in 2005, but hit his straps in 2006 when he secured a semi-factory ride with Team Motorex KTM. A highlight and lowlight was his 'win' in the second round of the Australian Supercross Championship in Perth, which was subsequently taken off him due to a technicality.

He finished that season an impressive fourth overall.

In 2007, "Hurricane Holland" signed a deal with the newly formed Team 7 Yamaha outfit, but four days after the opening round of the Australian Supercross Championship in Adelaide tragedy struck when he crashed while practicing, breaking his C7 and leaving him a paraplegic.

Since that day, Bronte devoted all his energies into rehabilitation, and was eventually able to stand with the aid of a walking frame. He had also started a career in the media, becoming the Assistant Editor for Stroke Magazine. He was also gaining a foothold in coaching.

Bronte was surrounded by his family and his best mates when he passed away.

The BikeSales Network sends its sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Funeral details will be announced shortly.