American Kristian Daniel Sr Has
Died in Catalonia Floods
T
he motorcycle racing com-
munity is mourning the death
of Kristian Daniel Sr, father of
rising American road racing star
Kristian Daniel Jr, who lost his life
at the age of 43 in the devastat-
ing floods that struck Catalonia,
Spain, with unconfirmed reports
of a date of death being October
7 or 8.
Daniel Sr was reported missing
after becoming caught in the se-
vere flooding around Barcelona.
His body was found the following
day near the van he used regular-
ly to transport his family for mo-
torcycle training. He had become
trapped inside a flooded tunnel in
Les Franqueses del Valles, north
of Barcelona.
Originally from Southern Cali-
fornia, Daniel Sr and his family
moved to the Barcelona area in
2018 to pursue opportunities in
European motorcycle racing. He
became a familiar presence at
circuits throughout Spain and
across the European junior racing
scene.
Daniel Sr was supporting his
son's progression through the
European Talent Cup and Red Bull
MotoGP Rookies Cup. His com-
mitment to the sport extended
well beyond race weekends, with
the family making the consider-
able sacrifices required to pursue
a career in international motor-
cycle racing for Kristian Daniel Jr.
Only days before his death,
the family had celebrated an
important milestone, with Kristian
Daniel Jr securing a place in the
2027 Moto3 World Championship
with Red Bull Tech3 KTM team.
The 17-year-old American will
make his Grand Prix debut next
season following three seasons
competing in the Red Bull Mo-
toGP Rookies Cup.
Daniel Sr leaves behind his
wife, Ivelina, sons Kristian Jr and
Jaydon, and his extended family
and friends.
The thoughts of Cycle News
are with the Daniel family during
this time. CN
WIND
IN THE
P34
Kristian Daniel Sr (right, with his
son Kristian Daniel Jr) passed away
following the Catalonian floods.
