Superbikes star Steeman’s mum dies two days after son’s tragic death

The mother of World Superbikes star Victor Steeman has passed away two days after learning of her son’s tragic death, according to reports in the Netherlands. The motorbike ace was killed after being involved in an accident during the Pirelli Portuguese Round of the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship at the weekend.

The MTM Kawasaki rider was caught up in an incident involving multiple riders and the red was immediately red-flagged, with medics rushing to treat Steeman at the scene.

He was later treated at the circuit’s medical centre on Sunday before being transported to Faro hospital shortly after. However, on Tuesday, it emerged that the 22-year-old had succumbed to his injuries.

Just two days after the world of motorsport mourned Steeman’s death, it is reported by Racesport.nl that Steeman’s mother – named as Flora van Limbeek – passed away on Thursday.

Ms Van Limbeek, described in the report as Steeman’s “biggest fan”, died after suffering a cardiac arrest at her home in Lathum, The Netherlands. She was 59 and is survived by her husband Willem.

The MotoGP paddock came together at Phillip Island ahead of the Australian MotoGP to pay their respects to Steeman with a moment of silence, having also honoured legendary rider Phil Read who also passed away.

At the time of Steeman’s death, his family released a statement which read: “Something you have always been afraid of as a parent of a motorcycle racer has now happened. Our Victor could not win this last race.

“Despite the unbearable loss and grief, we are extremely proud to share with you that our hero, through his passing, was able to save five other people by donating his organs. We would like to thank everyone for the way you have lived with us over the past few days. We will miss our Victor enormously.”

WorldSBK also paid tribute to Steeman, saying: “The WorldSBK family would like to send all our love to his family, team and loved ones. A great personality, a fierce racer and a legacy left embedded in our paddock forever.”

Maverick Vinales, the cousin of Dean Berta Vinales who died last year in WorldSSP300, believes safety measures should be improved to avoid further tragedies occurring in motorsport.

“For me, with the Supersport 300, the problem is that the bikes are [140] kilos, no speed, so they go 30 altogether,” Vinales said, as quoted by Crash.net. “And of course if someone crashes in the front, it is impossible to escape.

“For me, it’s not about the age, it’s not about the riders, it’s about the bikes. They have no power [but] weight like a MotoGP. Brakes are s***. Swingarms are from the street, so the problem is the category.”