Simpson impressed with USWE drinks system

Red Bull KTM factory rider Shaun Simpson knows only too well the consequences of a momentary lapse in concentration during the white heat of a World championship motocross battle. Make one small mistake mid-race and the chasing pack will quickly devour him, make a big one and he risks serious injury.

Dehydration is a real issue in a sport where athletes like Shaun can lose up to 2.5-litres of fluid per hour, and scientists have proven that a fluid loss of just 1% (of body weight) results in a huge 10% drop in performance. When you consider that approximately 75% of your body is water, it’s not difficult to appreciate how quickly the symptoms of fluid deficiency, which include muscle cramps, uneven heart rate and body temperature, and ‘brain fade’, can take hold. These symptoms can have catastrophic consequences when you’re fighting to control a 250cc factory KTM at 60mph over rough terrain.

Hence it’s important that Shaun regularly hydrates his body during the course of a grand prix weekend and monitors his fluid intake. This used to mean downing endless bottles of water or isotonic drink between races. However, thanks to the innovative new hands-free USWE system (www.uswe-sports.com), which attaches neatly to the current British motocross champion’s protective neck brace and feeds directly into his helmet, Shaun can now take on fluid during a race, boosting his energy levels and preventing the debilitating and often devastating effects of dehydration.

Shaun, science confirms it’s of great benefit to keep hydrated during a race, but is the USWE system comfortable?

It’s really comfortable. In fact, once it’s in place I don’t even notice it’s there.

How easy is it to locate the tube and drink during the heat of battle?

It’s dead easy because the feeder tube from the hands-free kit passes through my helmet’s chin guard and sits just in front of my mouth. Once you’re familiar with the system it becomes second nature.

What are the main benefits of using the compact USWE drinks system?

Obviously the ability to keep my fluid levels topped up during intense activity without having to stop riding or even release my grip on the handlebars, but it also means I can rinse dust and dirt from my mouth and throat, which keeps my airway clear – that’s another big plus. It also stops me getting a dry mouth, which you often get when you’re nervous, so that’s good, too.

Have you noticed an increase in performance when using the USWE?

I’ve noticed that it’s easier to stay focused and concentrate, particularly in the latter stages of a race. We ride two 40-minute motos on a Sunday at the GPs so it really takes it out of you physically, but with the USWE system I know I can stay hydrated throughout the race, and that’s a huge comfort, not to mention a huge advantage.

Tags: british, gp, helmet, injury, ktm, motocross, simpson, water