– Lissimore Photo
As many of you involved in the moto world already know, motocross is probably one off the most physically demanding sports known to mankind and the toughest sport on dirt. Having to do two thirty-five minute motos on race day with heart rates staying above 180 and exceeding over 200 in some situations, I think that it is amazing how focused and determined a pro motocross racer has to be. They would be very comparable to UFC fighters in their training aspect. They have to be very strong but lean, their cardio has to be top notch, they have to be flexible and have unbelievable core strength. I recently completed my first Half Ironman, which is a 2 km swim, 90 km bike and 21.5 km run. People train for years to complete a Half Ironman. I signed up for it about three days before to do it with my Dad and swam once that week. You also have to be 18 to participate but I am only 16. I knew the run wouldn’t be very easy because I don’t run very often, but having been on the bicycle basically every day, I knew I would be good. I used to swim with a coach a couple days a week so I knew the technique and how to swim efficiently. My point is I was able to complete a Half Ironman in 5:58:00 and placed second in my age group without specifically training for it. My trainer, Drew Robertson, has put together an unbelievable program for me, and it shows how motocross riders are able to compete in other sports at a high level where in most cases I don’t think it could be the other way around.
Motocross racers are a special breed. Most people don’t realize how much it takes to be able to compete or win at the pro level. They have to be fully committed from before the age of 16 until they retire. It involves missing out on family and friends, and doing online schooling and training, sun up till sundown, on a daily basis. Not only does the rider have to be fully committed but their parents and siblings have to be fully committed as well, sacrificing time and money to go racing and hopefully one day sign a pro contract. The mental aspect of the sport is quite demanding as well. Stuff happens that can be hard to deal with, from injuries to the pressure of racing and results. It all comes at a young age, which makes you mature earlier than most kids. But the satisfaction of race wins and championships makes every second worthwhile. Once you get a taste of it you just want more and more, and I know that’s what drives me. Especially seeing other kids being dominant in the States that I have grown up racing with, who are signing with teams, shows me like “Hey, if they can do it, there is no reason why I can’t do it as well.” It’s a lot of work that has to be put into becoming a champion in our sport, and I believe it is possible for any one of us to become the next Ryan Dungey or Ken Roczen. It’s finding a plan that works for you and how to outwork the competition. I’m sure that if you ask riders and families if they would do it again it would be a yes. You make lifetime bonds with friends and family from the sport that are unbreakable. Thank you for reading.
Marco Cannella