Moto Tip | Concentration & Pre-Race Nerves
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Welcome to the new Answer Racing Moto Tips feature! Answer Racing has been producing the highest-quality motocross and off-road gear since 1976, and this month launched its new line of 2020 apparel. With riders like Alex Martin, Ryan Villopoto, Nick Wey, and Mike Sleeter flying the Answer flag, there is a wealth of knowledge and know-how when it comes to riding a dirt bike efficiently and effectively in the Answer camp. Each week, Answer will bring you some riding tips to help you become better at the sport you love! Have a specific skill you’d like to improve? Comment below and we will cover it in a future post!
Are you a bundle of nerves on race day? Barreling around a track with a bunch of equally skilled, highly motivated riders is a thrill unlike anything else we can think of, but those moments before a race be very stressful. So, what’s the best way to calm down while still staying focused on a moto? We asked Alex Martin to share his words of wisdom on another mental skill that you can practice even when you are away from the track.
“Anyone that shows up to race a Supercross is nervous [Laughs]. When you’re sitting on the starting line, it is Nerve City,” shared the JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing rider. To hear a veteran of the sport say that every still feels anxious should give you some peace of mind, and Martin says you should use the long periods of time in the staging area as a chance to collect your thoughts through different techniques.
“Experience and confidence definitely help, and for me, I think the biggest thing has been to do the breathing exercises on the starting gate and then focusing on myself,” he shared. “Breathing techniques and meditation stuff, I know that stuff is considered a little ‘woo-woo,’ but if you can focus on your breathing when you are on the starting line and mindfully take slow breaths in and out, that will help calm your nerves.” Here are five entry-level examples that you can try.
“I try not to over-stimulate myself,” explained the racer with an even-keeled demeanor. Many of us rely on pre-race supplements, energy drinks or coffee to feel alert, but too much can be a detriment. “It’s easy to pound coffee and caffeine, but you have to be careful of how much caffeine you have because you can get overexcited and then tight,” Martin noted. Use practice days to experiment and see what the best caffeine/amino acid/supplement works best and don’t try anything new on race day.
It’s important to eliminate any distractions when it’s time to start the bike, and Martin said he doesn’t think of anything but the task at hand while waiting for the gate to drop. “I try to block out as much as I can and just focus on me,” he noted. “That’s been the biggest help for me in my career.”
