De Puniet energised by training regime

Throughout 2009 French MotoGP rider Randy de Puniet enlisted the help of fellow countryman, friend and thee-time MX3 world champion Yves Demaria to help with his training programme.

The pair developed a comprehensive mental and physical training plan which they carried out throughout the season, and one which De Puniet feels has been highly appropriate for his needs.

“Yves is a very good friend and I respect his incredible career,” explained De Puniet. “When I decided to work with him people thought it was a strange partnership – I could have enlisted a real personal trainer or a former GP rider, but I knew that Yves could support me in the right way. He is thick-skinned like all the MX riders and he would be able to teach me how to improve my concentration and skills on the bike. Considering that every GP rider usually practices motocross, Yves was the right choice for me!”

He continued: “Together we planned a regular training programme which includes aerobic and anaerobic exercises. These incorporate the training types, their intensity and also recovery. Thanks to the cardio equipment and a regular blood exam session I can easily check my physical form on a constant basis.”

Demaria, who was the MX3 world champion in 2004, 2006 and 2007, explained how the training partnership with De Puniet came about.

“I met Randy 10 years ago during a supermoto competition and we immediately got along, and after that we started to do some MX training in the winter. At the end of the 2008 season he asked me to help him become more competitive and improve his concentration in races, and I thought it could be an interesting experience for both of us. We decided to create a base programme which includes cycling and running, and of course we practice motocross, enduro and supermotard.”

Demaria added: “Compared to a MX rider, a MotoGP rider needs less physical training. For the GPs you have to work on being supple, and not too muscular. For the MX competitions you have to become physically strong, powerful and you must train a lot on the bike. In my opinion, to be at the top level in every sport you must have a good physical condition and an extremely healthy lifestyle. Then you have to add good training, a healthy diet and sleep. But the most important thing is that you have to make a lot of sacrifices!”

De Puniet completed his first experience on the RC212V bike he will ride this year at the Sepang test earlier this month, and returns to the Malaysian circuit for the second pre-season test from February 25-26.