TRAINING BEGINS FOR WOMEN & MOTOR SPORT COMMISSION-SUPPORTED VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO R-CUP DRIVER
Maiken Rasmussen, who was recently selected by Volkswagen Motorsport to receive a car for a full season in the 2011 Scirocco R-Cup, has completed the first stage of her training ahead of the start of this year’s 10-race series.
Volkswagen Motorsport joined forces with the FIA’s Women & Motor Sport Commission in October 2010 to help develop female talent in the sport. After assessing the ability of 11 young female racers at the Oschersleben circuit in Germany last year, Rasmussen, from Århus in Denmark, was deemed by Volkswagen Motorsport to have shown the greatest potential. She will now contest the Scirocco Junior Cup classification, which is part of the Scirocco R-Cup, one of the world’s most eco-conscious one-make series.
Last week, Maiken attended the Volkswagen training camp where Scirocco R-Cup, endurance and Formula 3 drivers took part in a rigorous five-day programme in the German ski resort of Oberjoch. While the main objective of the training camp is to help develop physical ability, drivers were also shown how to work on potential weaknesses and continue their training at home without the need for fitness equipment. The programme focused on cardio, strength and coordination training and pushed the drivers to their limits. Hiking, running, orientation and Pilates all formed part of the programme, however the most challenging for Maiken proved to be the cross-country skiing – a sport she has never attempted in any way – and an agonising seven kilometre run up a mountain.
“After five days of hard training I am left with joy and excitement, but it has been a long time since I have been so tired!” said 21-year-old Rasmussen. “This experience has given me a new perspective on training and that it can be hard and fun at the same time. I have learned a lot of new exercises that are more useful and relevant, and will definitely adjust my training programme in the future. I have found weaknesses and strengths and gained a lot of experience about what is needed to be at the top level.
“Another important aspect was getting to know the other drivers. It was not only the training that made the week great, but also the atmosphere. We had fun, the spirit was there, and that’s what made everyone give everything they could. That’s what makes a camp like this successful.”
Michèle Mouton, President of the Women & Motor Sport Commission said: “Training camps cannot be underestimated, they play a significant role in helping sportsmen and women reach their goals. Today, when thousandths of a second matter, the driver who is best prepared, both physically and mentally, will have an advantage.”
The drivers get behind the wheel of their cars for the first time next month for a two-day test at Oschersleben (12-13 April) before the opening round of the Scirocco R-Cup in Hockenheim (29-30 April).
Media links:
Click below to download images of:
- Maiken Rasmussen – click here
- The Volkswagen training camp group – click here