Photo: motogp.com
Behind the scenes-type of videos are a great way to show to the public the multiple facets that go unnoticed. The greater and more spectacular an event - the harder is the work of people the public usually doesn't notice. Track marshals at race circuits are one of the guys without whom such events would not be possible.
One of the greatest things about being a marshal is that it is sourced in sheer passion. These guys are volunteers, and being accepted as a track marshal comes with huge responsibilities.
With safety being one of the biggest concerns when it comes to racing, these people have big responsibilities and the fate of an event and athletes involved in it often depends on the marshals doing their job.
Perfect discipline is essential during the whole racing event. People like me and you, the marshals may be tempted to become overly focused on what's going on with their favorite riders, just like pretty much anyone at the circuit that day, be they team technicians or fans.
Still, being accepted as a marshal leaves no room for daydreaming while on the job. The Race Direction is constantly monitoring the race and sending orders that must be carried out without hesitation or delay, and with the safety of the race/rider as a zero priority.
In case some of you wonder why one of the marshals in the video below is running towards the bike instead of heading towards a fallen rider further away, you should know that this means obeying the instructions given before the race.
Each section of the circuit is covered by several marshals, and each of these groups has their own instructions. If rider is injured, it's the medical team who will make their move on the racer, with the marshals assisting the evacuation from the track premises.
In fact, you can see another team running towards the other rider. As for the camera guy, you will see him pick up the bike that trapped Stefan Bradl underneath it.
If anything, becoming a marshal is a great responsibility paid with being almost as close to the track action as the riders themselves.
With safety being one of the biggest concerns when it comes to racing, these people have big responsibilities and the fate of an event and athletes involved in it often depends on the marshals doing their job.
Discipline is essential during the racing weekend
Among their duties, we can count waving flags, picking up fallen bikes, carrying injured riders or cleaning debris from the circuit, carrying riders back to the pit lane, putting out fires and so many more.Perfect discipline is essential during the whole racing event. People like me and you, the marshals may be tempted to become overly focused on what's going on with their favorite riders, just like pretty much anyone at the circuit that day, be they team technicians or fans.
Still, being accepted as a marshal leaves no room for daydreaming while on the job. The Race Direction is constantly monitoring the race and sending orders that must be carried out without hesitation or delay, and with the safety of the race/rider as a zero priority.
In case some of you wonder why one of the marshals in the video below is running towards the bike instead of heading towards a fallen rider further away, you should know that this means obeying the instructions given before the race.
Each section of the circuit is covered by several marshals, and each of these groups has their own instructions. If rider is injured, it's the medical team who will make their move on the racer, with the marshals assisting the evacuation from the track premises.
In fact, you can see another team running towards the other rider. As for the camera guy, you will see him pick up the bike that trapped Stefan Bradl underneath it.
If anything, becoming a marshal is a great responsibility paid with being almost as close to the track action as the riders themselves.
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