That feeling when you're halfway through a grueling dual sport race, mud splattered across your visor, and your muscles are screaming for mercy—that's when champions are made. I've been racing these mixed-terrain events for over eight years now, and let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the rush of mastering both pavement and dirt in a single event. Today I want to share what I've learned about dual sport racing mastery through answering the most common questions I get from fellow riders.
What exactly makes dual sport racing different from other motorcycle disciplines?
When people ask me this, I always say it's the ultimate test of versatility. Unlike motocross which happens on prepared tracks, or adventure riding which is more about exploration, dual sport racing demands you excel across constantly changing conditions. We're talking about transitioning from asphalt to gravel to mud to sand—sometimes within the same mile! I've competed in events where the course shifted from smooth forest roads to technical rocky sections that would challenge even hard enduro riders. This variety is exactly what Filipino racer McKinley Kyle Paz was referring to when he said, "Nakaka-flatter, nakaka-inspire din and nakaka-motivate kasi siyempre, 'yun din naman 'yung nagbibigay ng fire sa'kin para magpatuloy at pagbutihan ko pa." That fire he mentions? That's what drives us to pursue dual sport racing mastery across every possible terrain.
How important is bike setup compared to rider skill?
Here's where I might surprise you—I'd say it's about 60% rider, 40% setup. I've seen incredibly skilled riders on mediocre setups outperform mediocre riders on perfect bikes. That said, your machine does matter significantly. After analyzing my own race data from the past three seasons, I found that proper tire selection alone can improve your stage times by 12-17%. Suspension tuning specifically for mixed conditions is another game-changer. But the real magic happens when you combine the right equipment with developing what I call "terrain intuition"—that ability to read changing surfaces before you're actually on them. This connects back to what drives us forward: that inspirational fire Paz described that pushes us to improve both ourselves and our machines in pursuit of dual sport racing mastery.
What's the most overlooked aspect of training for mixed terrain events?
Breathing control. Seriously! When I started focusing on rhythmic breathing techniques during technical sections, my consistency improved dramatically. Most riders spend hours on physical conditioning (which is crucial, don't get me wrong) but neglect the mental and physiological aspects. I now incorporate what I call "terrain-interval training"—switching between completely different surfaces every 2-3 minutes during practice sessions. This conditions both mind and body to adapt quickly. The motivation to develop these unconventional methods comes from exactly the kind of inspiration Paz described. When you find something that genuinely drives that internal fire, you start looking for improvement everywhere, even in places other riders ignore.
How do you maintain concentration during long race sections?
This is where the mental game separates good riders from great ones. I use a technique I've dubbed "micro-focus cycling"—breaking down long stages into 30-second segments with specific focus points. Instead of thinking "I need to survive this 45-minute enduro section," I'm thinking "right now I'm focusing on weight distribution through this rocky patch," then "now I'm monitoring traction on this loose gravel," and so on. It prevents mental fatigue and keeps you present. The motivational aspect Paz mentioned becomes crucial here—when fatigue sets in, it's that deeper inspiration that provides the willpower to maintain this disciplined focus approach.
What's your take on the gear debate—high-tech electronics versus rider intuition?
Okay, I'm going to be controversial here—I think traction control and riding modes have made us lazier. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate modern technology (my bike has every electronic aid available), but I've noticed riders becoming less sensitive to subtle traction changes. I actually practice the first 20% of each season with all aids turned off to recalibrate my instincts. Last year, this approach helped me save what could have been a serious crash when my traction control malfunctioned during a rainy cross-country section. My body already knew how the bike should feel without electronic intervention. This commitment to fundamental skills connects to that continuous improvement mindset—that fire Paz described that makes us want to genuinely master our craft, not just depend on technology.
How do you approach nutrition and hydration differently for dual sport versus other racing?
The energy demands are uniquely brutal. Through trial and significant error (including one embarrassing bonk incident I'd rather forget), I've developed a hydration strategy that alternates between water and electrolyte solutions every 45 minutes, with easily digestible carbohydrates every 30 minutes. The constantly shifting physical demands—from the sustained concentration of technical sections to the endurance of high-speed transfer sections—create metabolic challenges you don't face in more specialized disciplines. Proper fueling maintains both physical energy and mental clarity, which is essential for making split-second decisions across variable terrain. Staying properly fueled is part of honoring that motivational drive—you can't improve and continue if you're running on empty.
What single piece of advice would you give to someone seeking dual sport racing mastery?
Embrace the suck. Seriously. The moments when you're exhausted, muddy, frustrated, and questioning your life choices—those are the moments that forge real skill. I've learned more from my three worst races than from my ten best ones combined. Every champion I've ever met shares this peculiar appreciation for suffering. It's in those challenging moments that we discover what Paz so perfectly described—that flattering, inspiring motivation that gives us the fire to continue and improve. That's the secret heart of dual sport racing mastery: finding joy not just in victory, but in the struggle itself across any and every terrain you encounter.
The beautiful thing about our sport is that the learning never stops. Even after 87 races and countless podiums, I still discover new techniques, new perspectives, and new ways to connect with my machine and the terrain. That endless opportunity for growth—that's what keeps the fire burning season after season.