Was that the deciding moment of the World Championship? Bea Neila beside herself after being bumped by Herrera

As Maria Herrera was being celebrated in the parc fermé for her sixth win of the season, Beatriz Neila stood in front of a screen in the Women’s class paddock, watching the replay of how she had been overtaken by her compatriot during the race – and was beside herself. No one else in the paddock can celebrate success as exuberantly as Bea, and her reaction to the biggest sporting disappointment of her career was just as emotional – she could hardly be calmed down.

Ahead of the races in England, Herrera was 24 points ahead of Neila in the overall standings, with 100 points still up for grabs. Right on the first lap, in Turn 7, an incident occurred between the two Spanish rivals that could well prove decisive for the World Championship. Herrera and Neila were riding side by side as they entered the corner; Herrera accidentally nudged Neila, causing her front wheel to slip out from under her and sending her crashing into the grass beside the track.

Maria Herrera ist kurz vor ihrem zweiten WM-Titel

Foto: gold & goose

Ahead of Sunday’s race, Herrera now holds a 49-point lead: if she finishes ahead of Neila, she will be crowned world champion for the second time. After Donington Park, there are only two races left – in Jerez in mid-October.

Herrera received a two-lap penalty for her collision with Neila – yet still won, finishing 3.744 seconds ahead of Paola Ramos. The young Spaniard also had to complete two long laps for a false start. Third-placed Muklada Sarapuech from Thailand crossed the finish line – having taken the track without any detours – 5.313 seconds behind.

Maria Herrera: Didn’t notice the crash

Herrera hadn’t noticed Neila’s crash at all, and was therefore puzzled by the long-lap penalty. She only found out what had happened at the podium ceremony. “I didn’t mean to do that, it’s a shame,” said the 29-year-old during a meeting with SPEEDWEEK.com in England. “Our battles are tough; I was on the ideal line and she wanted to overtake me straight away because she knew my pace was faster. She tried, and so did I. She’s fighting for the world championship – if I’d crashed, I’d have been in exactly the same position as her; I’d have felt the same way in a situation like that. But she didn’t just lose this race; I’ve won plenty of times.”

And what did Herrera say about the middle finger she was shown by Neila from the track side? “It’s no big deal, no problem,” grinned the 18-time winner. “There have been a few in free practice and Superpole too; it happens all the time.”