Performance Support Services for Motorsports

The services below provide great insight into a rider or driver’s ability to perform at a high level, and allow for comparison across different levels of athlete and across periods of time. 

Ideally testing would take place regularly to allow progress to be assessed, and modifications to training to take place to optimise adaptations.

In addition we can provide on-going, remote support to athletes with regards training and nutrition, and also provide bespoke support for any particular performance issues or to prepare for specific racing conditions.

Fitness testing can be carried out cycling, running or rowing.  Generally we would recommend doing the physiology assessment in the mode of exercise the rider/driver most commonly does in training, so that the results can be used to guide training sessions and intensities.

However if the rider/driver does not do any specific endurance training in any of those modes of exercise, we would recommend doing the cycling test, as similar to motor racing, the bodyweight is supported, and there is reduced risk of injury or impact of injury affecting the ability to do the test.

The physiology tests are split into two parts – maximal and submaximal.

The maximal test provides us with information on a person’s:

• VO₂max (maximal capacity to use oxygen)
• Cycling test - Maximal Aerobic Power Output (power output they sustain during the last minute of the test)

The submaximal test provides us with information on a person’s:

• Lactate thresholds
• Ability to sustain a good percentage of their maximal capacity

After testing we will put together a detailed report feeding back the results and providing the rider/driver with training zones and suggested training sessions to improve their fitness.  We can provide benchmarks and comparisons with different levels of rider/driver.

Many races take place in the heat, but even in cooler climates, the rider or driver can still be affected by heat through increased core temperature from physical effort, in combination with the race suit and heat from the bike or car.

Our environmental chamber allows us to assess individuals’ responses to the heat. 

• Hydration strategies for racing in hot conditions – development of individual hydration strategies based on a rider’s sweat rate and sweat composition.    This would involve an hour exercising in the heat chamber in full race gear, and we would measure sweat loss and sweat composition.
• In addition we can advise on individual strategies for cooling between qualifying/races, as well as strategies to gain physiological adaptations to enhance performance in the heat.  
• Further bespoke support can be provided to riders who particularly struggle in the heat, or who are going to be racing in extreme conditions.  An individual plan for heat adaptation and maintenance of this over a season, hydration, cooling etc can be developed.

Our team of physiotherapists, soft tissue therapists and network of doctors can help provide full care for all motorsport athletes. 

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We would complete a full musculoskeletal screening which would include strength, range of movement and capacity testing. The screening would be individualised based on previous medical history and the goals of the athlete. The information gained would then be used to guide the management of the riders moving forwards.  

Rehabilitation:

Injuries are part of elite sport especially motorsports. Our experienced team can help rehabilitate injuries using our vast experience, facilities and network of specialists. This management and treatment helps reduce time lost to injuries allowing a swift and safe recovery and reducing time spent off the bike.  

Performance:

The information gained from screening and other disciplines allows us not just to focus on injuries but improving riders speed on the bike. This could be physically getting into optimal positions or the ability to hold optimal positions for extended periods.

As well as helping a rider prepare mentally for racing, we have access to experts in the field of cognitive function in sport.

• Improve Race Start and Optimise Reaction Times – we can help a rider improve their reaction times through training to improve cognitive function during racing, as well as by individually tailoring sleep, caffeine and carbohydrate intake to optimise reactions on race day.

We are able to offer advice and individual strategies to minimize the impact of jetlag and optimise sleep during travel, and sleep in general.  We can also provide any of the above services to the personnel supporting riders on race day.