Winning a motocross championship, or even just one race, comes down to a combination of many factors.

It’s good to have a race-proven bike, a group of financial backers, a fit and strong body, a few riding skills, a strong mental attitude and sometimes just a little bit of luck.

But there’s more to it than that too.

If you’re going to train for motocross and hopefully to win, it does not hurt to copy what successful riders do.

Here are five things which will help you beat everyone on your start gate:

1. Successful riders have a plan

With a clear idea of where they are going and how to get there, successful riders set specific, challenging and measurable goals designed to maximise their skills when it really counts. Having a plan ensures that every piece of the puzzle is accounted for.

2. They train harder and better

Surrounding themselves with the best possible coaches and then training harder and better are hallmarks of the successful rider. They have made a commitment to be the best-prepared rider on the gate and they feel entitled to succeed.

3. They believe in themselves

They have grown confident in their ability to execute the skills that will lead to success and most think they have a special quality that no one else has. Successful riders choose to believe in themselves, despite the negatives.

4. They can focus when it counts

The ability to block out all distractions at crucial times is one of the most important skills that they have learned and separates the great riders from the merely good ones. They focus on the right things at the right times.

5. They have learned to overcome setbacks

Successful riders are able to overcome setbacks and challenges that would derail others. They can evaluate when things go wrong and take the necessary steps to correct them.

Did you learn from watching our top riders perform at the weekend? I bet you did.

Note: The photos used here show the Team New Zealand riders competing at the 2010 Motocross of Nations in Denver, Colorado.

© Photos by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

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