Ana Carrasco: “I put the ‘Ride like a girl’ movement on the same level as my title”

Ana Carrasco (Chehegin, March 10, 1997) He doesn’t consider himself an example of anything, even though his career accomplishments prove otherwise. The Murcia woman was left with a trial in 2024 with an injury that could have meant the end of her career. I was able to become the first champion in the history of the Women’s Motorcycle World Championship.. This is his second accolade, and he remains a great reference for all boys and especially girls who want to devote themselves to this sport.

In an interview provided by one of our sponsors, Motorcard, MD said: Anna explains that it’s a privilege to be something you weren’t: Women’s Reference. She details what it was like battling a back injury and what this second crown means to her. It was a very entertaining talk and full of lessons learned.

First women’s world champion, how does this sound in your head?

Well then. Especially the champion. I’m very happy to be world champion again after several years of suffering. Having two degrees seems like a great thing to me.

The World Cup was held until the final corner in Jerez. What do you think is the key to winning the title?

The most important thing was consistency. I’m the only driver who can get on the podium in every race. After all, in this type of championship, where there are few very intense weekends, it is important not to make mistakes. Having won the Supersport 300 title, I knew it was a championship determined by mistakes and I had to finish every race on the podium. He tried to win when he could, but when he didn’t have a weapon he knew how to settle for second or third place.

What was your most fun race?

Estoril lace 1. For me, it was very important to win there after getting injured there four years ago as well. That was the goal for me this season and I really enjoyed that win. It was a difficult challenge, but it was incredible to be so competitive by taking pole position and winning the first race.

“This kind of injury is complicated because it can mean the end of a sports career.”

Dr. Ana Carrasco

Do you think this world championship is good for raising the profile of women in motorcycles, or do you think it would be better to have female riders in Moto3/Moto2, like in the case of you and Maria Herrera?

I think they are closely related. I think this championship is a very important platform and a very big step forward. Because in the end, especially for those who are just starting out, it gives them a chance to have goals to achieve and more references. This will make more girls interested in this sport. Furthermore, since we race under the Superbike umbrella, a good result in this championship will definitely open the door to other categories and championships. So I think it goes hand in hand. At the end of the day, the more women have the opportunity to compete in the World Cup, the better, and I believe this championship will be a springboard for other championships.

After this first year, where do you think there is room for further improvement in this World Cup?

It’s hard to say because it’s a very new championship. I think it was a success and much better than we all originally expected. I think it’s hard to evolve quickly in the sense that you have to maintain it for a few seasons or three for everything to become more stable. I would like to see it evolve along the lines of more brands rather than a single brand championship (Yamaha so far). We need to evolve towards a regular championship to have more opportunities and more means within the category, so more factories can participate.

“This title is very special because I’ve had a very tough four years. I don’t feel like I’m an example of anything.”

Do you give more value to this title than Supersport, or can’t you value one over the other?

For me they are the same, but it is true that I experienced it differently. After all, the first title is always something special. Because it’s life-changing and the Supersport 300 Championship changed my life forever. It’s hard to say which is more important. I’ve had a difficult year with injuries and not getting the results I wanted, so this match also tastes very good to me. Therefore, it is very important for me to win races again, get on the podium and become world champion again. Becoming a world champion is very difficult, but repeating it is even more difficult.

It can truly be called two World Cups of revenge. The first time was on a grid full of men, and the second time after a trial due to injury. Is that considered an example of proof of correctness?

Hmm…no. I consider myself a pilot who has always tried my best to achieve my dreams. Along the way, I experienced a lot and had to overcome many situations. However, they always have a selfish goal of achieving their dreams on a personal level. Each pilot has their own story. I haven’t had much luck in recent years and have had some very difficult injuries, but I don’t feel like I’m an example of anything. Just be someone who tries to improve themselves every day.

As he says, the back injury was a challenge. To someone who doesn’t know your career, how would you explain the journey from that injury to this second title?

So much has happened in four years that it’s complicated to summarize. However, while injuries are common in this sport, they are complicated by the fact that these types of injuries can mean the end of a sports career. A very long recovery and rehabilitation. He was away from competition for nine months, and after returning, he suffered from discomfort for a long time. It was a very complicated injury that caused me a lot of trouble, and with the fact that I changed my category to Moto3 at a time when I wasn’t feeling well, and the leg injury I sustained last year…it was a very difficult four years. It is very difficult to pull the wagon without results. This title knows it well. I and the people beside me have always tried to stay positive and improve every day, hoping that things will change.

Are there any anecdotes or moments that reflect that suffering?

A very difficult moment for me was my injury last year when I was dealing with a back injury. It was a very difficult year and a half in Moto3 and it was difficult to end last year with the injury I sustained in Indonesia. I tried my best to come back and finish the year on the bike, but in the end I just couldn’t do it. For me, it was a big blow for my Moto3 career to end like that. That was the last straw.

The “Ride like a girl” movement has received tremendous support since its inception. Do you value this more than the title itself?

I value it very much. It could be the same height, if not more. When we won the title in 2018, we started this movement believing it was time to change people’s mindset. It was a derogatory term for women, but when she finally won the title as a woman, it turned around. Six years later, people continue to appreciate the movement. I’m especially excited that I started it and that it’s still so powerful.

“In the coming years, many Murcians will be competing in the World Cup.”

Dr. Ana Carrasco

Do young talents write to you or ask for advice?

When I meet boys and girls, especially when I go training on the circuit, it’s obvious that I’m a reference for them, given that I’ve been competing in world championships for many years. I’m so excited to be a part of it. When I started competing, I didn’t have any female references. My idols have always been boys. Because they were competitive pilots. I am very proud to be able to serve as a reference for girls who are dreaming of the World Cup.

Murcia is “on fire” on motorcycles with you, Acosta and Aldeguer… What is being done to be successful?

Things have been going very well for a long time. Ultimately, MotoGP has its riders as reference. But most of all, the schools here are filled with great talent and opportunities for young people. Murcia has also established itself as a base for pilots from outside the country to come for training. Motorcycling is a sport that everyone knows needs financial support, and in this sense the president has done a great job. Because he not only supports us elites, but also those below us. Many Murcians will be competing in the World Cup over the next few years.

Lastly, he’s certainly someone no one likes, but just a few days ago he was the champion…what’s his purpose now?

I don’t understand. Everyone asks me the same thing, but I haven’t had much time to figure it out. Now it’s time to have fun. There was little time to celebrate or prepare properly for next year. We don’t know where we’re going yet, but we have to be prepared.

Thank you Anna and congratulations on winning the title.

To you.