Red Flags and Injuries Mar the Inaugural Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship at Misano

On Saturday, the inaugural FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship was met with a red flag at Misano as Mia Rusthen crashed in Race 1. Rusthen, a Norwegian rider, was in 12th place when she fell on entry to the final corner with just over 7 laps remaining. The circumstances of her accident are unclear, but both she and her bike were seen tumbling through the gravel trap at high speed in TV images. Red flags were quickly raised and Rusthen received on-scene medical treatment before being transported to a nearby hospital by helicopter for further assessment and treatment as she sustained unspecified ‘polytrauma’ injuries.

Organizers of the championship released an update on Saturday evening stating that Rusthen’s accident was the reason behind the race being red-flagged. She suffered a head injury with a concussion and is receiving treatment at Bufalini Trauma Centre in Cesena, where her condition has been stabilized. Jessica Howden also crashed in Race 1 and is recovering from a concussion, despite sustaining an injury herself.

Maria Herrara was leading from Ana Carrasco at the time of Rusthen’s accident. The race was restarted for five laps, but it was halted again after Howden fell during lap two and sustained a concussion. She was later transported to the same hospital as Rusthen for further treatment. In the third start, Lena Kemmer had a scare when she tangled with a rival off the line and slid across into the pit wall. However, she emerged unharmed and the race continued. Herrera made history by holding off Carrasco for victory after trading places on the final lap of this new six-round series event held at Misano World Superbike Circuit in Italy