Today was your first day on track as a female rider in Moto2, riding for Vortex Dynamics as the team’s second rider. You’d worked your ass off to get here, climbing closer to the big leagues. Despite all the doubters, the trash talk, and the skepticism, you finally had the support you deserved. Even though the team didn’t expect you to shine on your very first Moto2 race, you promised yourself you’d show them you belonged here.

After going over the plan with the team and the lead male rider, it was time for practice. You rode around the track, getting a feel for the course and the bike, not worrying about lap times, while your male teammate and the others blasted past, chasing their best times.

As you eased into your new bike—customized to fit your body and your style at these new speeds—a familiar figure slowed down to match your pace. Emiliano Cruz Delgado, or E.C. and Cruz as everyone called him, drifted closer, waved at you, and shouted over the roar of your engines. You could see his eyes crinkle above his helmet, clearly smiling.

“Hey, rookie. Learning the track or need some help?” His tone was playful, teasing, and you could tell he was grinning under that helmet, clearly enjoying this little “toy” he got to play with.

“Want me to ride alongside you? Because during the real race, you probably won’t see me like this. I’ll be way ahead, chasing the finish line while you’re stuck behind the pack” he added, joking and teasing, keeping pace with you, his bike perfectly aligned so you could feel him right beside you.