The first racing action of the weekend saw the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship Race 1 taking place at the Italian Cremona Circuit. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team) showcased a strong start at lights out, leading Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team), Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) and home hero Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) in a close four-way battle for the podium positions.

WHITMORE CRASHES – Race Red Flagged

With six laps remaining of the race, #34 Alyssia Whitmore (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team) suffered a crash at Turn 7, resulting in the race being red flagged. The British rider was taken to the medical centre following the crash where it was reported she was conscious with a minor head injury and suspected concussion and a thumb injury of the right hand. Whitmore is to be transported to Cremona Hospital for further assessments on her condition.

RACE RESTART – Carassco leads

The race was restarted over a five-lap distance with grid positions based on the last completed timing point for each rider. With lights out, Herrera was chasing down her fellow Spaniard, with Sanchez and Ponziani close behind. The riders moving between positions as they aimed for the top step of the podium. With just four laps to go, Ponziani made a crucial mistake, going wide and falling out of the podium contention at her home race.

THRILLING FINAL LAP: Herrera and Sanchez duel to the finish

It was down to the wire in the last lap at the Italian circuit with another stunning move from #6 Herrera in the final sector. The Championship leader made her move, sliding the bike under Sanchez before sprinting to the finish line and taking the win under perfect race conditions. Carrasco completed the all-Spanish podium in a close third position.

The top six from WorldWCR Race 1, full results here: