PHYSIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF MOTORCYCLE RACERS FOR THE EVIDENCE-BASED TRAINING

Abstract

Motorcycle racers are subjected to extreme physical and physiological stresses that can affect their performance. This research aimed to investigate physiological factors that may influence performance and to make recommendations for effective training design. Three international-level Hungarian motorcycle racers were studied in laboratory, competition, and race simulation environments. Their mean age was 20.33 years (± 2.3), sport age 15.66 years (± 3.78), body weight 73.9 kg (± 8.7), and height 1.78 m (± 0.1). Resting measurements, load tests, and track tests were performed during the study. To analyze exercise stress in competitive conditions, we used heart rate monitoring and lactate measurements during the final round of the 2024 World Endurance Championships and a track test in Hungary. The laboratory measurements identified three athletes with different fitness statuses, who demonstrated significant individual differences in both cardiovascular and metabolic load during racing. The results showed that the pilot with greater aerobic capacity had a higher relative heart rate and lower lactate levels, whereas the pilot with greater anaerobic capacity showed the opposite. This suggests that energy production processes differ between riders. Aerobic capacity primarily supports recovery and more economical energy production, while anaerobic fitness can provide the performance needed for high-intensity activities. Striking the right balance can be the key to optimizing riders' performance.