World Superbike legend Jonathan Rea explained his absence from the Adelaide Irish Motorbike Awards in Belfast on Friday night was due to a family bereavement.

The six-time champion’s mother-on-law passed away during the week and Rea travelled with his wife Tatia to Australia to be by her side.

The Ballyclare man was due to receive the Special Recognition Award at the event in honour of his record-breaking career after Rea retired at the final round of the 2025 World Superbike Championship at Jerez in Spain.

He won six consecutive world titles with Kawasaki between 2015 and 2020, and claimed 119 victories during his unprecedented career.

placeholder image — Jonathan Rea was absent from the Irish Motorbike Awards in Belfast due to a family bereavement.

Rea will stay involved with the sport in 2026 as a test rider for the official Honda World Superbike team and could compete in some races as a wild card for the manufacturer.

In a recorded video message (click here), the 38-year-old asked the sold-out crowd at the awards ceremony to “raise a glass” to his mother-in-law.

“Unfortunately I can’t be with you tonight, unfortunately I’m in Australia due to a family bereavement,” said Rea.

“If you could take a moment and raise a glass at the bar to my mother-in-law, who sadly passed away just a few days ago, that would be really, really nice, and thanks for doing that.”

Looking ahead to life without the commitment of racing as a full-time professional, Rea said he is grateful to have the opportunity to spend more time with his wife and children.

“It’s ironic I’m here in Australia and the World Superbike calendar kicks off here next month, and I’m not part of it, which I’m really excited about – I don’t have that stress or anxiety any more going into a full race season,” Rea added.

“But what I do have now is an incredible opportunity to keep riding bikes with Honda, where it all started back in 2008 when they gave me my chance to go to the World Superbike Championship.

“I won 14 races with Honda and then obviously when I moved to Kawasaki, that’s when I really made my name.

“I’m looking forward to staying involved with bikes and getting that buzz, spending more time at home with my wife and kids and enjoying life at a slower pace, and try to reflect on what I’ve achieved in the sport and really let that absorb in.

“So enough about me, congratulations to all the winners tonight, I hope you’re having a really great evening – it always is back home – and until next time, I’ll see you soon.”