If it’s true that pedigree counts, then the DNA of each and every one of our Aprilias has been genetically modified by the 54 world bike racing championship titles won, most of them on tar, between the kerbs of that magical world we call the racetrack – a playground where we can safely take our bikes to their limits and improve our riding skills, and where some of us can perhaps even get to take part in the odd race, dreaming of a future as a racer.
All in all, we #bearacer club guys love the track more than most, whether it be for sheer pleasure or for something a bit more serious. We adore giving in to its charms at every possible opportunity, with a blend of excitement and respect and an awareness that to do so safely requires not only good instincts, but also a good dose of skill and a few tips from the right guy …
And we think we know exactly who that guy is: how about Milwaukee Aprilia World SBK Team rider Lorenzo Savadori?
We went to visit him to pick up a few good “pit lane tips” that could be extremely useful both to hardened racers and to guys who are just starting out.
1. Prepare yourself mentally
«Many things will be going through your mind just before you go out onto the circuit, particularly if it’s your first time out or you’re rather inexperienced. I remember my first outing on a major circuit very well indeed. It was in Valencia and I was on a 70cc, and all I could think was “holy cow, it’s so wide it looks almost like a highway!”. I had been racing mini-bikes since I was 7 years old so I was used to the competitive dynamics, but one of the most common concerns is how to react to the other riders out there on the track with you, particularly if they’re faster than you are.
Want my advice? Just focus on your own trajectories, your own pace and on what you’re doing rather than what the other guys are doing. A faster rider will be able to figure out when and how to overtake you, so don’t worry about it.
The next step is to watch and learn from the more experienced riders and check out what they do out on the track. The great thing about bike racing is the passion that unites us and helps us to make friends instantly … unless, of course, you ever get to pip the guy to the post 😀 »
