Track Star vs Field Hero

Trip · 02-24-2009, 02:48 PM

Let's try to leave our bias for moto related sports out of this and have a real discussion. We all know being conditioned and training helps and that it is pretty much required to be in the top tier, but do you think a pro level motorcycle rider needs to be as physically conditioned as a true human sport where physical athletism is a must to reach the level of star. Where you take the best in the sport Rossi, Hayden, Stoner and compare them against the very best in other sports like soccer, basketball, football, swimming... What do you think?

the chi · 02-24-2009, 02:52 PM

I'm slow today, can you give a more defined view of what each is? Track star and Field hero?

Rider · 02-24-2009, 03:05 PM

Aside from marathon runners, track athletes perform for a very short duration.
field athletes have to be in better condition to perform for longer periods of time and they are more often than not physically stronger than than track athletes.

shmike · 02-24-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trip

Let's try to leave our bias for moto related sports out of this and have a real discussion. We all know being conditioned and training helps and that it is pretty much required to be in the top tier, but do you think a pro level motorcycle rider needs to be as physically conditioned as a true human sport where physical athletism is a must to reach the level of star. Where you take the best in the sport Rossi, Hayden, Stoner and compare them against the very best in other sports like soccer, basketball, football, swimming... What do you think?

Today's racers are more conditioned than ever.

That said:
To compare the fitness level or conditioning required to play a 90 minute soccer game, 5 set tennis match, 400M swim, etc to the requirements for a successful roadracer is silly.

AquaPython · 02-24-2009, 03:10 PM

choices are unclear, but there is really no comparison.

the chi · 02-24-2009, 03:28 PM

Ah, thank you Rider, that makes it easier for me. I'm going with Field on this one. More stamina and endurance to keep on keeping on at max levels...

Trip · 02-24-2009, 03:51 PM

It's just an open ended discussion, not really anything serious and try to narrow down to one particular athlete over another. Just to give you examples to help you out, but I am not trying to narrow it to just this, it can be at any level vs any level. Also, don't focus on one particular person, just what it takes physically to be able to be competitive. Sure some gp riders are physically fit, but do they have to be type thing.

Moto GP Champions vs Super Bowl MVPs vs Soccer World Cup MVPs vs etc..

smileyman · 02-24-2009, 04:28 PM

Lets do this pound per pound shall we.

Cardiovascular is extremely important as each racers heartrate increase to 140 beat plus for an extended period of time, lots of air consumed, lots of bike trainign for these fly weights. Strength in wrestling a hurtling 350+ pound beast into and out of corners while holding their miniscule weight in the saddle. Whatta think they weigh 115-130 lbs?

Then you look at an NFL lineman. Huge 6.5, 290 lbers throwing other huge 6.5 ft 290 lbers around with 30 second breaks in between. Sprinting 15 20 yards at a time. Hell even getting up after a play is a feat of strength.

NBA? same huge mammoths moving their feet faster than teh solid gold dancers on crack, not only covering the length of the court but also 10-12 feet vertically.

Lets not bring the baseball/steriods thing into it. I know those guys bat, throw, and run hard. Just don't think they have to be quite in the shape as the others as they have long periods of inactivity while playing the game.

Can we consider car racers? Sure but they aren't going to sell me on the physical strength part. Concentration and resistance to high Gs aside. They have to have the heart rate going on but really the wheel and the pedals don't give alot of resistance...

Boxers? Damn are they even human?

Taters Whore of an Ex wife? I don't even think she breaks a sweat

Mr Lefty · 02-24-2009, 08:42 PM

yeah not really a comparision imo... not that racers aren't phenominal athletes... but michael phelps, lance armstrong, urasan bolt, or any soccer player are more physically athletic. IMO...

take the average track star and average field hero... field hero is in better shape I'd guess...

Cutty72 · 02-24-2009, 08:47 PM

IMO
A true "athlete" (basketball football track etc) will probalby be in better physical shape.

A "field hero" (motorcycle racer etc) will be in better mental condition.

View Poll Results: Who's the more physically athletic?
Track Stars	3	20.00%
Field Heros	7	46.67%
Tater's ex whore of a wife who is getting her fitness on with everyone horizontally	5	33.33%
Voters: 15. You may not vote on this poll

02-24-2009, 04:28 PM	#8
smileyman White Trash Hero Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NW Arkansas Moto: Buell 1125R Porco Rosso Edition Posts: 4,895	Lets do this pound per pound shall we. Cardiovascular is extremely important as each racers heartrate increase to 140 beat plus for an extended period of time, lots of air consumed, lots of bike trainign for these fly weights. Strength in wrestling a hurtling 350+ pound beast into and out of corners while holding their miniscule weight in the saddle. Whatta think they weigh 115-130 lbs? Then you look at an NFL lineman. Huge 6.5, 290 lbers throwing other huge 6.5 ft 290 lbers around with 30 second breaks in between. Sprinting 15 20 yards at a time. Hell even getting up after a play is a feat of strength. NBA? same huge mammoths moving their feet faster than teh solid gold dancers on crack, not only covering the length of the court but also 10-12 feet vertically. Lets not bring the baseball/steriods thing into it. I know those guys bat, throw, and run hard. Just don't think they have to be quite in the shape as the others as they have long periods of inactivity while playing the game. Can we consider car racers? Sure but they aren't going to sell me on the physical strength part. Concentration and resistance to high Gs aside. They have to have the heart rate going on but really the wheel and the pedals don't give alot of resistance... Boxers? Damn are they even human? Taters Whore of an Ex wife? I don't even think she breaks a sweat __________________ Arkriders.com To be the best you must first be willing to risk the worst!

02-24-2009, 03:05 PM	#3
Rider Moto GP Star Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 12,156	Aside from marathon runners, track athletes perform for a very short duration. field athletes have to be in better condition to perform for longer periods of time and they are more often than not physically stronger than than track athletes.

02-24-2009, 08:42 PM	#9
Mr Lefty TWFix Legend Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver CO Moto: 01 BMW F650GS Dakar Posts: 15,677	yeah not really a comparision imo... not that racers aren't phenominal athletes... but michael phelps, lance armstrong, urasan bolt, or any soccer player are more physically athletic. IMO... take the average track star and average field hero... field hero is in better shape I'd guess...