How are the drivers preparing for the 24 hours of Montmeló?

Stretching is a practice that is usually done before doing any kind of sport. Dr. Pere Mir, specialist in Traumatology and member of Top Doctors recommends a previous study to know the characteristics of each sport discipline (which muscles work the most, which injuries are the main ones, etc.) and the profile of the athlete. The doctor talks to us about his experience as a specialist in motorcycling, specifically in the 24-hour race in Montmeló.

The “tuning” of the riders depends on three items:

  • Characteristics of the circuit: in this case, the Montmeló circuit has many right-hand turns, so repetitive work is done on the right arm and leg. This punishes the quadriceps, adductor, Achilles tendon, wrist flexors and forearm; facilitating compartment syndrome.
  • Rider posture: Riders over flex their knees, hips, dorsal and lumbar spine, in addition to involving an extension of the cervical spine.
  • Rider profile: Most riders are between 20 and 55 years old and are semi-professionals or amateurs. Many of them have had fractures that have left them with significant sequelae.

What does the “fine tuning” of the riders consist of?

Taking all this into account, the “tuning” of the riders for the race involves two types of work. On the one hand, the pre-race work and the work done during the race itself, both during the day and at night.

Pre-race work

For six months, global stretching is carried out once a week, taking into account the rider’s profile. Ergonomic and proprioceptive work to achieve a low and relaxed muscle tone while driving. Relaxation exercises, since learning to relax is not easy.

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Work during the race

During the day:

  • Electrostimulation treatment to eliminate lactic acid in order to unload the musculature and reduce pain.
  • Analytical stretching of the quadriceps and psoas.
  • Perform a decontracting massage.
  • Bandage the fingers to avoid sores, both during the day and at night.

During the night, it is essential that the pilots sleep. As it is often very difficult for them, it is important to focus on relaxation through breathing.