The Cerba Yamaha rider recovered from bruising and a 30th-place start to gain early positions but struggled

Andorran rider Xavi Cardelús finished 26th in the second World Supersport race at Assen on Sunday, capping a challenging weekend overshadowed by his high-speed crash in Saturday's Superpole session.

Competing for Cerba Yamaha Racing, Cardelús started from 30th on the grid—the tenth row—after the qualifying incident. He gained three positions in the opening two laps with a strong start but struggled to maintain momentum afterward. Factors including his rear-grid position, physical discomfort from the crash, reduced confidence, and adjustments made to the bike hampered further progress. His best lap time in the race was 1:38.023, resulting in no points and leaving him with the two he earned at the Phillip Island season opener.

The crash occurred on the second lap of Superpole, the third round of the season at the Dutch circuit. Cardelús had completed one timed lap of 1:38.541—two tenths faster than his free practice best—when his Yamaha lost control at the penultimate corner. It slid at high speed onto the main straight, prompting a red flag. He remained on the track briefly before medical staff transported him for evaluation. Doctors noted bruising to his lower back and left hip but cleared him for Sunday's warm-up and races, though pain persisted, especially in the hip.

Cardelús withdrew from Saturday's first race due to crash-related issues but completed the second despite the setbacks.

Immediately after Superpole, he described the fall as "not the best way to start the weekend," adding that he was "very sore," particularly in his left hip, but intended to race if possible after resting overnight. Following Sunday's race, he called it "a very difficult weekend," citing the Superpole crash, the rear-grid start, and tricky sections of the Assen layout. "The crash didn't help at all, and starting from very far back didn't either. We have to forget it and keep working," he said.

Both Assen races started at 14:00 local time. The series moves to Hungary's Balaton Park on May 3-5.