Motorsports by Motorcycles

Abstract

Sports injuries occurring in motorcycle sport are quite distinct from traffic injuries with the same motorcycle vehicles. On this chapter, we will try to address and systematize only sports injuries in motorcycle competition. Our goal is to present almost three decades experience in this kind of competition, involving all of the different and most popular styles. The last years have pushed motorcycle races to a level of recognition and exposure never seen before. Riders have reached speeds never registered before (356.7 kms/h—A. Dovizioso-Mugello circuit—2019), and the impact of TV-life transmissions with millions of viewers has increased the importance of medical prevention, assistance, knowledge, and eventual treatment of potential injuries. Race promoters and motorcycle manufacturers are implicated, as well as the nationals and international federation (FIM), with regard to data, monitoring, scientific studies, decisions, and regulation codes concerning riders’ security and tracks safety. This chapter provides information about injury prevention strategies and equipment, as well as some data about falls and lesions. Overuse syndromes, specific physical preparation, and doping questions in motorcycle sports are also mentioned.