Beatriz Neila Claims First WorldWCR Victory in Dramatic Showdown - Assen Race 2 Report

Round one of the 2025 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR) wrapped up in spectacular fashion at the TT Circuit Assen, as Beatriz Neila secured her long-awaited first win in the championship. In a race filled with overtakes, recovery rides, and last-lap drama, the level of competition proved just how much the grid has evolved heading into the second season.

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A Dry Race Declared Wet

Although officially declared a wet race, the track conditions remained dry, with all riders opting for slick tyres. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) started from pole position for the first time in her career, joined by Race 1 winner Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing) and Sara Sanchez (Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha) on the front row.

Herrera launched off the line to grab the holeshot and led through the opening lap. Just behind, rookie sensation Avalon Lewis surged into third, going wheel-to-wheel with Neila and asserting herself once again as one to watch. The lead group of Herrera, Neila, Lewis and Sanchez quickly separated from the rest of the field, battling closely through the opening stages.

Relentless Midfield Battles

Behind the front four, Lucie Boudesseul, Tayla Relph, and Chloe Jones led the charge in the second group. Meanwhile, Roberta Ponziani - who had dropped from 4th to 17th in a dismal start - mounted one of the most impressive recoveries of the weekend. With nine laps to go, she was already up to eighth, and within just a couple more laps, had climbed to fifth and eventually crossed the line in fourth.

Also gaining ground were Mallory Dobbs and Ornella Ongaro, both of whom made up seven positions during the race. Dobbs moved from 20th to 13th, and Ongaro from 19th to 12th - steady performances from both riders in a tightly packed midfield.

Final-Lap Drama and a New Race Winner

As the laps wound down, the race intensified. With three laps to go, Herrera reclaimed the lead from Neila, and Lewis managed to get past Sanchez for third—only for Sanchez to fight back before the end of the lap.

The final lap saw Neila and Sanchez locked in their first true battle of the race, while Lewis, running in a strong fourth, ran wide and heartbreakingly crashed out in the last sector. It was a devastating end to what had been another outstanding performance by the Carl Cox Motorsport rookie - one that had once again shown her potential at the front.

Up ahead, Neila launched a decisive attack on Herrera in the final sector, slicing past to take the lead and cross the line as a WorldWCR race winner for the very first time.

Race 2 Top 10

1. Beatriz Neila 🇪🇸

2. Maria Herrera 🇪🇸

3. Sara Sanchez 🇪🇸

4.  Roberta Ponziani 🇮🇹

5. Pakita Ruiz 🇪🇸

6. Tayla Relph 🇦🇺

7.  Chloe Jones 🇬🇧

8. Astrid Madrigal 🇲🇽

9. Lucie Boudesseul 🇫🇷

10. Isis Carreno 🇨🇱

Two races into the season, and the narrative is already compelling: Herrera remains consistent and aggressive, Sanchez is staying in the fight, Neila has finally broken through—and the rookies, led by Lewis and Jones, are pushing the veterans every step of the way.