SPEEDWAY/NEWS/PGEE: Summary of ORLEN OIL MOTOR’s Training Camp in Zakopane

For the fourth time, ORLEN OIL MOTOR Lublin organized a preparatory camp for young athletes in the mountains. The camp was not only a physical challenge but also aimed at team integration and mental aspect improvements. The base for the speedway riders was the sports facilities of the Central Sports Center in Zakopane.

Mountain training was a key component of the camp, allowing for improved endurance and preparation for the challenges of the season. – The training objectives were achieved 100%. In the mountains, we covered really long routes, and that’s what the camp is about, working intensely, which will make it easier during the season – summarizes ORLEN OIL MOTOR Lublin coach, Maciej Kuciapa.

The altitude at which the trainings took place forced the athletes to exert more effort. – From 1000 meters above sea level, there is less oxygen. As a result, beneficial changes occur, and the body produces many more red blood cells – explains Tatra guide, Michał Stoch. – I am pleasantly surprised, the boys usually ride motorcycles, and we performed demanding endurance training, and at really good speeds – he adds. Young speedway riders from ORLEN OIL MOTOR conquered, among others, Beskid (2012 m above sea level), Kopa Kondracka (2005 m above sea level), Kasprowy Wierch (1987 m above sea level), and Gęsia Szyja (1489 m above sea level).

Each day of the camp was very intense. It started with a shared breakfast at 7:30 AM, after which the team headed to the mountain trails. – I am very satisfied with the boys, everyone managed really well. After returning, we had the opportunity to use the entire base of the center. We trained in the sports hall, hypoxia room, and on cross-country skis. After these trainings, there was time for biological regeneration. At the end of the day, we had sessions with sports psychologists. So the days were very intense, and surely no one was bored – says youth coach, Rafał Trojanowski.

Mental training took place concurrently with the work on physical form. – Mental training sessions included not just practical training but we also had meetings aimed at improving the communication process within the team – says Agnieszka Kwiatkowska from Sport and Minds. Collaboration with sports psychologists has been ongoing since the team’s inception in the second league. – Such a long-term perspective allows for continuous observation of the athletes. We compare their specific psychomotor parameters such as reaction time, hand-eye coordination, attention concentration, and stress resistance – adds Marcin Kwiatkowski.

The camp also provided time to build strong team bonds. – The mountain camp is also a school of character, you have to overcome your weaknesses and manage in challenging terrain. In these four years, there has been some generational change. We focus on outstanding riders from our mini-speedway school and those transitioning from 250cc to 500cc. For us, the integrative aspect is also very important, we want the club to be a group of friends and I think we have successfully achieved that and can be proud of it – says vice-president of the board, Piotr Więckowski.

Now it’s time to implement training plans in Lublin. In March, young speedway riders will go for their first training in the new season at the track in Zarnovica. Some of them will head straight from Slovakia to the facility in Gorican to train together with seniors.

Source: press release