A Week in the life of Leon Camier – Airwaves Yamaha
www.leoncamier.com

As Leon celebrates his Birthday (4th Aug) there is no let up for him as he busily prepares himself for round eight of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend, where he will compete in three races over the weekend, one on the Saturday and two on the Sunday.

Catching up with Leon’s trainer, ex top motocross rider Julian Clark, he gives us a brief overview into Leon’s week and how he prepares himself for each British Superbike race and trains with young up and coming motocross rider Kristian Whatley.

Leon’s main form of training this season has been cycling, a sport he took up in a major way after his crash in 2007, as this was one of the things he could do to get himself fit again. Since then he has very much kept up a very strict and physical routine to help him with his main focus and aim this year to win the 2009 British Superbike Championship.

In an average week, if Leon does not have a BSB race weekend, he will cycle around 11/12 hours each week covering a distance of around 300 - 350 miles, excluding a 120km race which he partakes in each Sunday when he’s not racing his Airwaves Yamaha.

Cycling takes up the majority of Leon’s time and training but alongside that he also works extensively hard down at the gym on the core muscles and his cardio vascular work, this includes boxing work on the punch bag and general exercises to work his fitness and strength to his highest level.

After every exercise and during a racing weekend it is important Leon carries out vital stretching routines. Stretching is very often something people neglect to do at the end of a training session. It’s a very important aspect of Leon’s training plan as it improves the muscle balance around the joint, which improves posture. It reduces the chance of injury during racing/cycling/gym work. It also increases the blood and nutrient supply to the muscles and cartilage, therefore reducing muscle soreness after training.

Generally on a Wednesday and a Friday Leon has a sports massage ensuring his muscles aren’t over stretched and that he’s fully relaxed for when he next goes out to train. It’s important that riders look after their bodies and essential to have massages as it helps any niggling injuries and keeps the muscles loose to prevent any unwanted injuries.

It’s a pretty hectic schedule but important for Leon to keep on top of it to allow him to be the top of his game every weekend.

Commenting Leon said “Julian has been a huge help to me this year and I’d like to thank him for that. He’s pointed me in the right direction and helped me focus myself on certain targets. It definitely keeps me busy during the week but a feel a lot better for it. I’m really looking forward to Brands, it’s my home circuit and one that I really enjoy riding. I hope we can ‘Kick Up A Gear’ in all three races and get some good results for the Airwaves Yamaha Team.”

Brands Hatch – 7th – 8th August.