Three Weeks of Mid-Season Mayhem with Riders Formation
After a whirlwind race weekend at Thruxton, it was time for a quick pit stop back home to catch up with the fam. Four weeks in the UK will do that to you! Then it was off to Barcelona airport for a three-week mid-season training camp with the Riders Formation crew. My experience at the winter camp had me absolutely buzzing to get back out there and train with the boys on and off the track. Their training camp is an absolute killer, but in the best way possible. We push ourselves to the limit, and always have a blast doing it.
The first week kicked off with a brutal running test (as per usual!), and we managed to squeeze in three epic bike sessions. The running test was a welcome return to pushing my limits after a couple of months just cycling for endurance training. Next up was a day at Vendrell karting, focusing on technical skills with cones and drills, followed by a flat-out speed day at Karting Móra. Dani and I had a game plan for these three weeks: get me prepped and ready for the rookies selection event coming up in a month. That meant hopping on four different bikes and hitting target lap times. It was a super productive day, leaving us both stoked for the rest of the camp.
Next, it was a quick flight down to Jerez for a two-day test with the AGR Team. I'd tested with them before in Valencia, and it was mind-blowing. This time, the challenge was learning the new Pirelli tires - a whole new beast for me to tame. The test was a huge success. Working with my technician Luis was awesome – he's super detailed and always has clear pointers to help me improve my time and technique. I also got to work with Angel Poyatos, the team's spotter and rider coach. He's just as sharp as Luis and always has something for me to work on. The icing on the cake? Getting to ride a KTM Moto3 for the first time EVER! It was a dream come true. That bike is like nothing I've ever ridden before – tons of power, but you have to ride it hard to make it sing. Those two days in Jerez were unforgettable.
Back to Barcelona to finish up training in Tarragona. Dani and Sergio were off at the races, so I was holding down the fort with the guys, training hard and exploring the city. I even managed to set a new 5k PR – a 20-minute run! Not too shabby after time off.
Once Dani and Sergio were back, we hit the track at Vendrell again. More technical drills, but this time with some epic battles on track. After they left for another race weekend, we squeezed in two more days of riding. One more technical day at Vendrell (check out the cone drills on my Instagram!), then a 90cc pit bike day at Mora that was pure, unadulterated fun. Nonstop battles, touching in every corner – it was the most fun I've ever had on a mini track! I even managed to match the lap record set by Valentin Perrone. Sadly, that was the last ride of the camp, but it was an absolute blast.
A huge thank you to Dani for having me back, and to Sergio and Jorge for everything they do for us in the academy. I can't wait to get back with Riders Formation soon! Now, time to focus on the last two rounds. Let's give it our all!