Spain shocked at deaths of 2 motorcyclists

Spanish sport was shocked on Monday by the death of motorbike pilots Bernat Martinez and Dani Rivas in an accident in Laguna Seca (USA) during a race in the MotoAmerica Superbike series.

The pair died in a multiple pile up at the start of a race and although the 35-year-old and 27-year-old were evacuated to hospital, both died as a result of their injuries.

MotoAmeria President, Wayne Rainey sent his "sincere condolences," saying the loss of "family members," but the deaths of the two experienced riders has had a big impact in Spain.

Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspes, who was a personal friend of Rivas' posted a message on the social networking site 'Twitter' lamenting his friend' s death.

Moto GP world Champion, Marc Marquez, also tweeted, it was "very sad news, which has come from the USA," offering his condolences and support to the victims and their families.

Marc' s brother Alex, who was last year' s Moto3 World Champions echoed those sentiments as did other Spanish riders, Dani Pedrosa and Pol Esparago.

Basketball star, Pau Gasol, who plays for the Chicago Bulls and is still a key member of the Spanish national team, described the news as "tragic," while Spain' s Central Sports Committee and the Royal Motorcycle Federation have also published messages of condolence.