A healthy body and mind is vital, says King's Lynn Stars rider
King’s Lynn Stars speedway ace Thomas Jorgensen believes a healthy body backed up by a healthy mind is key to being a leading rider.
The Lynn News has spoken to personnel at the Adrian Flux Arena about the qualities needed to make it as a top-flight Premiership racer in the British leagues.
For clarity and a discussion ice-breaker, these factors are split three ways between first of all: every aspect of riding skills; secondly: preparation, including fitness and equipment; and thirdly: all mental matters such as psychology, determination and will-to-win.
The Minors & Brady Stars fans’ favourite says physical fitness is paramount, while an organised, healthy mind goes hand in hand with an organised schedule which riders naturally need to keep.
Jorgensen said the prime factor is: “Fitness, probably. Being light and being fit is probably my priority. The fitter you are, the less likely you are to get injured and you will recover quicker as your body is in better shape.
“If you’re unfit and you come off the bike you’re more likely to get the bigger injury.”
The Dane also thinks what is between a rider’s ears is important, something he has discussed in the past.
“The mentality in speedway in your head is very, very important as well, because obviously we’re already under pressure,” he added.
“This is especially so when you ride abroad since the majority of the time you’re in a squad situation and it is always in the back of your head that another rider can take your place if you don’t score enough points.
“It’s gone so serious, you have got to push all the time. When you are fit it will be okay mostly because you think: ‘I’m fit, I can cope’.
“The mental side is an important bit because with everything else going on, being organised is crucial, especially if you ride in a lot of places.
“You have got to make sure your engines are okay. If an engine is not serviced you need to fit another one and bolt it onto the bike. If the engines aren’t serviced regularly over the weeks then you’re doomed.
“I always have to make sure one engine needs to be serviced so that I have a fresh one available.”