Fierce Competition Turns to Tragedy: The First Races of the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship at Misano

The first race of the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship at Misano on Saturday was stopped due to a serious accident involving Mia Rusthen. Rusthen, a Norwegian rider, was in twelfth place when she fell on entry to the final corner with just over seven laps remaining. The exact cause of the accident is unknown, but images from TV showed her bike and body tumbling through the gravel trap at high speed.

Rusthen received medical treatment at the scene before being transported by helicopter to hospital for further evaluation and treatment after sustaining unspecified “polytrauma” injuries. A statement issued by organizers stated that Rusthen’s condition was stable but recovering from a head injury with concussion.

Maria Herrera had been leading the race from Ana Carrasco at the time of Rusthen’s accident. A five-lap restart was delayed until the afternoon and was almost instantly halted by a fall for Jessica Howden at Turn 2. Howden sustained a concussion and was also transported to hospital. The third start, also over five laps, saw Lena Kemmer have a slight scare when she tangled with a rival off the line but emerged unscathed.

Herrera then made history by holding off Carrasco for victory after trading places on the final lap. All riders in the championship use Yamaha R7 machines.