A MotoGP rider’s body is as precise a machine as the bike he rides. Motorcycle practice requires a very specific profile because riders are elite athletes and their body orientation is different during a race. … Extreme physical demands are made on all fronts. Weather conditions range from high temperatures to completely opposite weather conditions, such as cold, wind, and rain. But as if that wasn’t enough, these races keep your muscles under constant strain, subject you to extreme demands, and mistakes can be costly.
Dr. Ángel Charte is the director of the Quiron Salud MotoGP Medical Team for the championship, which concludes on November 16th at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Ceste (Valencia). He assures that on average around 1,100 accidents occur each year, of which around 8 are serious, with the most common complaints involving the upper and lower body. «The most common injuries among these pilots, apart from serious injuries, are musculoskeletal injuries.» he added.
Dr. Charte, head of internal medicine at Dexeus University Hospital in Barcelona, said that in the event of an accident, it takes about 15 to 20 seconds for a medical team to arrive. “We have three units called ‘Omega’, fully equipped like any hospital’s intensive care unit. When the red flag goes out, it means we have a critical driver on the track, and ‘Omega’ 1 and 2, placed in strategic locations, arrive in a maximum of 15 to 20 seconds.”
most common injuries
Therefore, statistics show that the most commonly fractured bone in pilots is the wrist, followed by the hand and collarbone, elaborated by Dr. Charte. At the same time, it was also specified that there were fractures in some of the ribs and leg bones. However, it most often occurs in the upper extremities.
But also, according to Alejandro Escorral de Miguel, physiotherapist at the MotoGP Health Center Chiron Prevention: yesworld cup medical services In the last three years, injuries and illnesses in these athletes have been closely linked to the type of circuit, and it is possible to differentiate between traumatic injuries and injuries as a result of accidents. An athlete’s performance-related injury that is affected by muscle fatigue or overload.
Ángel Charte is director of the Quiron Salou MotoGP medical team
“Injuries from truck falls are dependent on the fall itself and can result in fractures and joint dislocations. Considering the muscular part, the most prominent musculoskeletal injury in motorcycle riders is compartment syndrome of the forearm, which can affect the flexor and/or extensor compartments of one or more muscle bellies,” the expert emphasizes.
Upper limb joints and muscle groups
To be precise, the motorcycle position forces the rider into an uncomfortable position, which can make it difficult to exert power and rarely find a moment to relax and put aside the tension necessary for riding. Escuela said:This means you can alternate between moments where you put a lot of effort into maintaining your position on the bike.in situations where large force peaks have to be generated when changing the direction of the motorcycle.
For this reason, the physiotherapist also remembers that MotoGP usually puts a lot of strain on the joints and muscle groups that correspond to the upper limbs, such as the muscles of the shoulders and forearms. Because riding a GP bike requires a lot of these structures, for example to move the bike and change direction.
“Given that these motorcycle positions are not completely ergonomic, demands on the back at all levels – cervical, dorsal and lumbar – are also high,” adds the expert.
Preparing for the season
At the same time, it is worth emphasizing that Moto GP riders are complete athletes and, along with their teams, pay close attention to the details of their physical preparation, and as in any sport, the best prevention is proper preparation. This is why elite sports athletes train with multiple components and stimuli, such as different strength and resistance, aerobic and anaerobic exercises, joint mobility, or from a psychological point of view, as stated by the physiotherapists of the MotoGP Health Center Quirónprevención.
“In it, each athlete focuses on the most demanding areas of their sport modality, specifically training the shoulder girdle, arms and forearms. Each pilot is different and has different characteristics and preferences» he added.
In fact, he brought up the fact that there have been cases of drivers who have had bad times when racing in very hot conditions, and the opposite scenario exists, reiterating that they are elite athletes who are prepared but equally conscious of competing at the highest level.
Important points to address
However, as highlighted, besides physical preparation, strength training and injury prevention, not only nutrition but also pilot hydration occupies an important place.
Alejandro Escorral de Miguel, Physiotherapist at MotoGP Health Center Chiron Prevention
Alejandro Escuela de MiguelQuiron Prevención, physiotherapist at the MotoGP Health Center, insists that nutrition, as well as the fields of physical preparation, hydration and sports psychology, plays an important role in a rider’s preparation, performance and recovery, which is why all riders adhere to guidelines and individualized programs detailed by nutritionists.
As he argues, dehydration is an important factor in a Moto GP rider’s preparation, especially for races such as Indonesia and Malaysia, where apart from the physical demands of riding, they are also exposed to temperature and humidity levels, making it even more necessary to have a proper hydration plan in place just before, days and weeks before the race.
«Riders are elite athletes who require a very specific profile to practice motorcycling.. Considering that during the race we will be exposed to extreme demands, where we may encounter high temperatures and completely opposite weather conditions, we must be prepared for high physical demands in all aspects,” concluded Alejando Escorral.
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