Tragic Accident at Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship: Mia Rusthen Suffers Polytrauma Injuries in a Fatal Fall During the Race

The opening race of the inaugural FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship at Misano on Saturday was a tragic event as Mia Rusthen fell on entry to the final corner with just over 7 laps to go, sustaining unspecified ‘polytrauma’ injuries. The exact circumstances of her accident are unclear, but rider and bike were seen tumbling through the gravel trap at high speed in the background of TV images which raised red flags. Rusthen received medical treatment at the scene before being transported by helicopter to hospital for further assessment and treatment.

Maria Herrara had been leading the race from Ana Carrasco at the time of Rusthen’s accident. A five-lap restart was delayed until the afternoon due to Rusthen’s injury and was almost instantly halted again when Jessica Howden fell at Turn 2, suffering a concussion and also being 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 was unharmed.

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