A group of 21 women try out the spectacular Losail International Circuit
Qatar’s Losail International Circuit recently hosted the first ever FIM Women´s Road Racing Training Camp organised outside Europe with female riders from 10 different countries in Europe, Latin America and the USA.
A group of 21 female riders had the chance to try out the high-class MotoGP circuit of Losail when the FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission, together with Bike Promotion and BMW Motorrad, organised the first Middle Eastern camp this week with the support of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF).
During the camp, including 3 days of intensive training, the participants were able to enjoy two evening sessions with the magnificent lights of the 5.4 km long Losail International Circuit and get used to the intensive heat of Qatar during one daytime session. The instructors included big names such as Nina Prinz from Germany and Shelina Moreda from the USA, who both compete in the QMMF series and are therefore experts on the circuit. The female duo was joined by other respected racers such as ex-MotoGP stars Simon Crafar and Jürgen Fuchs and the Qatar Superbike Champion and FIM Endurance World Cup winner Alex Cudlin. In addition to track instruction, they also provided classroom sessions focusing on body position and bike handling.
This training programme that started two years ago is growing to include track, classroom and physical exercises but also mental training that is such a big part of preparation for motorsport in today’s world.
“It has been a fabulous opportunity to be here on this very special circuit to experience what it is like to ride in the night under the amazing Losail lights. The female riders are delighted and enjoying every second. I want to thank the QMMF for all the support and help received for this first camp outside Europe”, says Nita Korhonen, Director of the FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission.
“The Training was outstanding – on so many levels. When I came here, I was frustrated with my riding performance, frustrated because I didn’t know what I was doing wrong. Previous instruction wasn’t helping me anymore. The Instructors here at the Camp focus on different problems and have a different approach to things. Finally, after so many years of frustration, I found Instructors who figured out exactly what my key problems were and worked on them with me – on the track, not only in a class room! I am especially thankful to Shelina Moreda – who speaks exactly my language at the track – and Simon Crafar who taught me to face my fear – and get over it”, says Julia Ellinger from Germany, who took part of the FIM training camp for the first time.
“We are very happy to host the FIM Women training camp here in Qatar”, says Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah, QMMF President. “I hope that participants had a good experience and that trainers succeeded in their mission to develop their skills and abilities. For sure they are in the right place, as we are developing a women’s category in road racing, so we are glad to have all these ladies from different nationalities participating at Losail International Circuit and this gives more value for us. Thanks also to the FIM for this opportunity and hope that this will not be the last. We are interested in planning for more in the future. So thanks to everybody and the women who participated. I hope that they have good season and reach their goals.”