Are MotoGP riders "real" athletes?

Question

I recently read an online sports blog that posed the question of whether Motorsports in general should be considered a sport or just a competitive activity. The responses were mostly directed toward auto racing drivers and that you couldn't consider them to be athletes compared to Football players or Soccer players since they use a machine.

While I do understand that point of view, I have to make the argument that pro Motorcycle racers are indeed "real" athletes. Muscling a 240 hp machine around a racetrack for 25 laps takes a great deal of strength as well as endurance. Some ride with injuries that would sideline an NFL football player for half a season! They cross train in motocross, bicycling and running among others. Even Michael Jordan speaks about the athletism of these riders. I consider them to be some of the finest athletes in the world. What do the rest of you think?

Answer 1

People have always debated what is a sport and what is an activity or just a game.  I think the deciding factor has to be the athleticism involved.  There is no doubt that an incredible amount of athleticism is involved with MotoGP racing..

Even car racing requires a good amount of endurance.  It will always be subjective but people think of golf as a sport and tons of out of shape old men play golf regularly.  When was the last time you saw grandpa racing motorcycles?

Answer 2

personally i dont think that falls under sports. more like competitive activities. yes, someone may be able to ride a bike with a bad achillies BUT they aren't running on it either, or jumping. i ride a sport bike myself and yes, i am tired when i'm done but not like when i go play tennis or basketball. i think there is a difference in sports and competitive activities. (kinda like tossing horseshoes).

Answer 3

I was a novice speedway rider at the age of 17, and although I had done athletics and bicycle road racing, and was thin and in good shape, I would come back to the pits after four laps breathless, with my hair drenched in sweat and arms and shoulders tired. As a novice, I'm sure I was physically struggling with the bike and the track more than an experienced rider would, and yet I have no doubt speedway and other forms of motorcycle racing are sports. In addition to the endurance and strength needed, there are also the requirements of extreme coordination, balance, and quick reactions, all of which are aspects of athleticism.

Answer 4

Yeah, my oath!!!

Answer 5

Of course.

Besides it requires perfect mental and physical coordination, endurance, and balls bigger than football.

Answer 6

You made all the points I would have used to back up my opinion that these guys are, indeed, real athletes.  The rigorous cross training, and dedication to physical fitness these riders commit to is impressive to me!

Answer 7

Of course they are athletes...........In a similar situation to the answer Wiggysan gave, there was an "iron Man" type competition recently involving James Toseland and several other professional sportsmen (Professional Footballers and athletes)...can't remember their names off hand, but anyway, James wiped the floor with all of them! Now he's probably one of the fittest there is.....but all racers (even Nori Haga I've heard now) train incredibly hard and are without doubt, top class athletes!

Answer 8

Hi Kaju,

I'm with you 100 percent there - I often look at these fella's in their leathers and say "man - he is one fit bunny!" admiringly, and if ever there is another female watching with me (rarely!) I often find myself adding "'I WOULD!!" hee hee.

Good question.

Answer 9

A UK sports magizine did a multi test between:

Micheal Owan (England Football player)

Colin Jackson (World hurdles Champion)

John Regiss (World 400 metre champion)

David Coulthard ( Factory F1 driver)

& Neil Hodgson ( at the time of test, World Superbike Champion)

The tests were all cardio + indurance fitness tests.

Hodgson wipped the floor with them all. I remember also he was second [only to the runner]  in the running test!!

Who came last in the test?

Answer 10

I've raced, as a lowly C grader, I wasn't very good, but even at that level, you still have to be very fit to ride and race for a weekend, MotoGP riders are as fit as ANY elite athlete AND their sport involves a h**l of a lot more risk too.

Answer 11

One reason NOT to become a MotoGP rider is the very demanding physical training regime -  several hours a day, plus riding practice.  They are all contracted to undergo training.  Ever seen a fat GP rider?

Answer 12

They've got the highest skill levels if you ask me. Unreal to be precise.  I could only dream to be able to keep up with them.

Answer 13

of course! not many can take corner at 100km/h

Answer 14

Yes they are

Great answer Wiggy