The first training day was held at the ACU HQ in Rugby and was hosted by seasoned media veteran Chris Carter, deputy editor of top road race newspaper BikeSport News and former TV commentator on all types of motorcycle sport. Chris began his commentary career as a race commentator for motocross.
The day began with Chris giving the riders, and most of their parents, and insight into the importance of the media in a racers career and how developing a good working relationship with all types of motorcycle media is so vital in modern motorcycle sport.
Later in the day the group learned how to handle themselves during a post race interview. Each rider was given a scenario and then interviewed by Chris. Each interview was recorded and played back so that constructive criticism could be given by the other riders.
The day ended with a review of newspaper features and advice about writing press releases.
ACU Academy Manager Dave Luscombe was pleased with the way the riders had responded to the advice,
“With such a wide age range – 10 to 18, it was always going to be difficult for Chris to pitch his subject at the right level,” explained Luscombe. “However, this proved not to be an issue, with all of the riders contributing to the seminar and getting very much from it. I am sure that all of these riders will now relish any opportunity to develop their interview skills!” he continued.
Only a week later, the riders all congregated at the National Sports Centre at Lilleshall Shropshire for a seminar on diet fitness and a full physiological assessment.
The two squads of riders – 5 Road Race and 6 Motocross, were joined this time by 3 Grass Track riders (Tom Perry, Charlie Saunders and Andrew Whitaker).
The first session of the day was spent looking at dietary requirements of athletes and also eating plans and food types with Sports Physiologist Sam Howells. This was followed by a discussion of the importance of physical fitness with Ben Jones.
Ben explained the basics of cardiovascular fitness and the fundamental aspects of how to get fitter.
Lunch at Lilleshall is always a highlight for the riders. Not only do they get to sample some of the best food available, but they also get the chance to sit and eat with Olympic and World Class athletes from almost every sport.
Following lunch it was down to the Sports Injury Rehab department for a workout in the gym. All riders were taken through a full warm up programme with Ben, before Sam started the individual assessment programme.
Each rider was assessed in all vital areas:
• Cholesterol Level
• Height
• Weight
• Body Mass Index
• Upper body strength
• Lower Body strength
• Cardiovascular fitness
• Core strength
A selection of accurate measures were used to gather the information from each rider, ranging from a blood test to ‘Push’ and ‘Pull’ strength tests and finally the bleep test.
It was with a mix of intrigue and envy that the young motocross racers watched the progress of their coach Mark Hucklebridge who joined in. In virtually every test Mark was the highest scoring rider and was only beaten by one MX rider and one road racer, in one test.
Although the test bought the Day at Lilleshall to a close, this was only the beginning of the work for the riders. Each rider will now be sent a personal training programme and a set of goals that they will be expected to have achieved by the end of the racing season, when they come back to Lilleshall to be re-assessed.
Dave Luscombe, ACU Academy Manager stressed the importance of the day for the forthcoming season,
“Whether Motocross or Road Race, when talent and machinery are equal, it’s just the mind and body that win races,” explained Luscombe. “Both are highly tuneable and over the next season we will be working hard to ensure that the Academy riders are in possession of all the tools they need to make sure their biological assets are as highly prepared as their mechanical assets.” Luscombe continued.
The next Academy seminar will be a Sports Psychology seminar, again at the ACU HQ in Rugby, on the 2nd February.