I, Woman and Rider – Beatriz Neila

Spread the love

At just 23 years old, Beatriz Neila has already built a formidable résumé both on the track and in the classroom. A four-time Women’s European Champion, she recently balanced her racing career with full-time university studies in law—a demanding blend she acknowledges was far from easy.

“I graduated last year, right after the WorldWCR opener at Misano. I’m incredibly proud—it was tough to keep up both sport and study. After four years, I hold both a law degree and a master’s in international law. At first, the new routine was overwhelming, but eventually it became more manageable. Especially during final year, when the inaugural WorldWCR season started—juggling classes, exams, presentations, and adapting to a new bike (the R7) instead of the 300 I’d been riding. It was a major challenge, but I made it—graduated and finished fourth in the championship.”

Neila describes herself as someone who never really slows down:

“I can’t stay ‘tranquilla’—I like staying busy. I prefer studying or training over partying, so I honestly didn’t feel like I missed out on the typical university experience.”

Fully Committed, On and Off the Track

Now that her studies are complete, Neila is focused entirely on the 2025 WorldWCR season—but she hasn’t lost sight of her long-term plans beyond racing.

“The goal this year is to win. At 23, I’m racing against seasoned riders like Maria, Roberta, and Sara—all 28 or 29 with Moto3 or MotoE experience and top-tier teams with full telemetry. For me, a podium finish would already feel like success.”

She adds:

“Before WorldWCR existed, I saw law as plan A and sport as plan B. Now, this championship has become my main focus because I believe deeply in its potential. It provides women the chance to showcase our talent at speed.”

Looking further ahead:

“Eventually, I’d like to work as a sports lawyer. Initially, I intended to become a state attorney—I’ve always been drawn to politics. But after driving in this championship, I realized that in sport and law alike, you’re the one on stage. In the paddock, I have a team—but on the bike, it’s just me. I took this analogy seriously.”

Her ‘Tribe’: Family Support at Every Turn

Neila credits her family for helping her juggle her dual paths:

“My family has always supported me—whether I choose law or racing. They help plan training camps, coordinate logistics, suggest schedules. My dad organizes training days in Valencia or Motorland—whatever it takes.”

She shares a strong bond with her siblings:

“I have two younger siblings, Carla and Raul. Everyone is very close in age, and we’re super connected. My father originally bought a bike for my brother—he thought motorsport was mostly for boys. Raul found it hard to balance school and riding, so the focus shifted to me. I’ve always worked hard—studying, training, gym—and the deal was: strong grades meant a chance to ride.”

Despite their differing paths:

“My brother is great at motocross and offers advice—almost like a coach. Our family is a real ‘piña’, a close-knit tribe. My sister is my best friend—I spend every day with her when I can.”

When she does take a break, it’s simple pleasures she enjoys most:

“I don’t have much downtime, but when I do, I just love being with family—watching a film or playing games.”

A Collaborative Spirit in WorldWCR

Neila values the camaraderie in Women’s Circuit Racing and tries to contribute wherever possible.

“If younger riders approach me about strategy or bike setup, I’ll always help. I’ve developed good relationships within the paddock—especially among Spanish riders. It’s competitive, sure, but not aggressive.”

She hopes the championship expands further:

“It would be amazing if WorldWCR grew into world-class verticals—like MotoGP’s straw, middle, and premier classes. Now there’s just one global series. I won four straight European titles, but the levels are inconsistent. It needs stronger support from Dorna and FIM to help female racers enter and progress.”

All-Round Athlete: Racing and Beyond

Neila loves sport off the bike too.

“Two years ago, I completed my first triathlon—it felt incredible. I plan to do two more this year, after Donington and Jerez. In fact, I did a mini triathlon just last week. I’m also training for Hyrox (a CrossFit competition) and hope to race the Madrid event in November.”

Despite her packed schedule, she remains a strong championship contender: