On Saturday, the opening race of the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship was red-flagged at Misano due to a significant accident involving Mia Rusthen. Rusthen, a Norwegian rider, was in 12th place when she fell on entry to the final corner with just over 7 laps to go. The exact circumstances of Rusthen’s accident are unclear, but both rider and bike were seen tumbling through the gravel trap at a high speed in the background of the TV images.
Red flags were quickly raised, and Rusthen received on-scene medical treatment before being transported to the hospital by helicopter for further assessment and treatment as she sustained unspecified ‘polytrauma’ injuries. An update from the organizers on Saturday evening stated that Jessica Howden also crashed in Race 1 and was confirmed to have a concussion but was in good spirits and recovering.
Maria Herrera was leading from Ana Carrasco at the time of Rusthen’s accident. The race was restarted for five laps, but it was quickly halted by another fall by Jessica Howden. Howden was later confirmed to have a concussion and was transported to the same hospital as Rusthen. In the third start, also over five laps, Lena Kemmer had a scare when she tangled with a rival off the line and slid across into the pit wall. Kemmer was unharmed, and the race continued.
Herrera then made history by holding off Carrasco for victory after trading places on the final lap. All riders in this new six-round series use Yamaha R7 machines.