What Qualities Do You Need to Be a Good Formula One Driver?

Whilst it is certainly true that anyone you can physically fit into the car can drive one, the reality is that Formula One drivers are a special breed. Although they vary in physical size and shape, they all have the following important qualities that allow them to compete at the top level.

Physical Strength and Dexterity

Formula One cars are demanding to drive at the limit. The massive G-forces experienced during cornering and under braking, as well as the incredible heat inside the cockpits, mean that drivers have to be very strong, particularly their neck muscles.

Concentration

Racing drivers are well aware that at 200 mph they cannot hesitate for a split second if they are to avoid crashing. Formula One stars have to maintain complete concentration for almost two hours, which pushes their minds to the limit. They have to look out for changing track conditions, they have to feel the changing characteristics of their cars and they have to look out for warning flags, pit signals and their rivals.

Quick Reaction Times

When you learn to drive a road car one of the first lessons any driving instructor teaches you is to keep a safe distance from the car in front. This distance allows you enough reaction time to get out of trouble if an accident occurs or somebody brakes heavily. Formula One drivers have to throw that rule straight out of the window every time they climb into their cars. In the fight for victory they have to drive right behind their rivals’ cars at huge speed, and if it’s raining with next to no visibility. If a problem occurs ahead of them – like a spinning car or a piece of debris on the track – they have to rely on their super-quick reaction times to get them out of trouble.

Endurance

Being a good Formula One driver is not just about performing at the top of your game over one lap like in qualifying; it’s about performing at the top of your game for every single lap of a Grand Prix distance. Most races last about an hour and a half or more and during that time there’s no let up – except perhaps a few seconds to catch your breath during a pit stop or on the pit straight.

Drivers have to cope with the pressure of racing, avoid accidents, keep up to date with team strategy, and be able to endure the bumps, bangs, and the heat over this entire distance. This pressure is so intense that most drivers lose about 3kg of bodyweight through sweat in a normal Grand Prix.

Consistency

Being able to perform consistently at the top of their game without making costly mistakes. If you make a mistake pulling out of a junction in your road car at best you stall the car or, worse, cause an accident. Racing drivers can’t afford to make such mistakes and they have to get every single aspect of their job right when they’re driving at the limit.

Although modern grand prix cars have semi-automatic gearboxes and computer controls to make stalling a car more difficult, drivers still have to ensure that every time they turn the wheel or step on a pedal, they do so at exactly the right moment. They can’t afford to brake 10 metres too late or hit the accelerator pedal when they were meant to hit the brakes. The result may not just be a harmless spin; it could be a crash that puts them out of the race or even costs them the World Championship. Just as the driver expects the team to never get it wrong when they prepare his car, the team has the same expectations of the driver. If the driver makes a mistake that puts him out of the race he can expect a tough time when he gets back to the pits.

Bravery

Formula One racing is not a sport for the shy or the timid. To race wheel-to-wheel with somebody at almost 200 mph takes incredible bravery – especially when you understand that one mistake could result in a crash that could injure or even kill them.

Edward has been writing on the web for more than 7 years. His latest coffee site at http://www.individualcoffeemaker.org covers the individual coffee maker models and deals available.

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Radio Control Skateboard – Why You May Want a Radio Control Skateboard

Many would be skateboarders dream of just jumping on a board and flying along just like the pros. Usually though its not that easy and takes a great deal of practice. Some of these sports enthusiasts just seem to be naturals at it while others seem to be not quite so agile. For these riders this is where a radio control skateboard has all that is needed to get a rider up and running instantly.

This doesn’t mean that using a radio control skateboard is something that should not be taken seriously. It is still an extreme sport and you do need to know the basics of skateboarding.

There are several reasons that you may want to make use of a radio control skateboard. Perhaps you are a little older starting out in the sport and want to join in some skateboarding with the kids. However, you are not quite as agile as you once were. Then the radio control skateboard is a good option to join in the fun in a little more of a subtle way. On the other hand you may be contemplating on getting involved in skateboarding at a much more intense level. You just don’t want to put all those hours into learning the intricacies of skateboarding only to find out its not for you. Then starting out with a radio control skateboard will allow you the opportunity to get a feel for the sport and see if is what you want. Finally it may be that you are restricted for health reasons perhaps in going extreme with skateboarding yet you would still like to participate in it. Then once again the radio control skateboard is a good option.

If you are new to the world of radio control skateboards you may be wondering just how they work. It really is a simple technique and if you have used a remote control toy for example then the premise is the same. Only you are the one that is being remote controlled or at least your skateboard is by you operating a handheld remote control.

Although this sounds simple and really it is you are going to find that you have several choices to make when you are ready to purchase your radio control skateboard. To begin with you will need to determine what brand, features and price range is good for you. For an example the Emad brand is one of the best there is not only in workmanship and quality but for the wide choice of features available.

Just in case that you think that you may be looking foolish standing like a ram rod on your remote control skateboard this is not the case at all. You will still have to use some of the same maneuvers that regular skateboarding takes for making turns for example. Also you have obviously observed that when the standard skateboarders want to stop they simply jump off their boards in a variety of ways. With your radio controlled skateboard if you are using one of the EMAD boards for example they have an integrated anti lock break system.

In addition to all the choices you have to make you want to be sure to buy your radio controlled skateboard from a reputable dealer. You will find some great ones online such as radio-control-skateboard.com.

Radio control skateboard with strongest 600 watt motor with cooling fins that provide the highest onboard power source of any street board anywhere available at http://www.radio-control-skateboard.comArticle Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/radio-control-skateboard-why-you-may-want-a-radio-control-skateboard-1751614.html

About ITM – A Giant in Cycling

ITM, known in Italy as Italmanubri started in the cycling industry with the specialized production of handlebars, stems and seat posts. They continued the tradition of excellence by expanding their efforts to include other biking components like wheels, forks and accessories. Based in Veneto, Italy, a place often called “the home of cycling”, ITM was called the undisputed star of the world cycling scene because of the high technology of its continuously growing product line and its innovations in the cycling industry. ITM products have been mounted on the bikes of some of the greatest cycling champions, from DeLuca to Moser and many in between.

Sadly, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for this innovative cycling company. In 2008 the industry mags were buzzing about a potential liquidation of the entire company. It looked as if ITM was to be the next on the chopping block for A-brand Italian companies going belly up. But these Italians, they’re smart. Within a few months of the unofficial announcement of voluntary liquidation and the closing of their factory in Romania, Italian industry veteran Luigi Seghezzi, the General Manager of Taichung-based Bike Machinery Trading and former GM of Gruppo, chose to take over all of the ITM trademarks and purchase all the machinery. We’re sure he realized that ITM products are some of the best and if he had the means to save them, he really should.

ITM continued its efforts, with Luigi at the helm.

Some of the most recent accomplishment of ITM is the development of EPS technology for their advanced handlebar systems. The EPS system for handlebars leaves a clean interior, free of any additional substance (like plastic bladders). What they do is wrap a reverse mold with the carbon and then cure it (lots of heat). That part is pretty standard. However, ITM sends the Draco 04, Draco 05 and the Pathom through a secondary baking process designed to remove the excess modeling agents so you have a full carbon, with no other stuff, just bar. This process also allows ITM to produce the bar with differentiated thicknesses providing a safe, constant and controlled distribution of stress point concentrations. In other words, the EPS system allows ITM to build their bars to be thicker at the stem clamp where it needs some bulk, yet thinner on the hoods where you don’t need so much material. What you get is a strong, stiff and very safe bar because there are no worries about air pockets forming like there are in some of the other handlebar making methods.

When we call ITM and innovative company, we’re not kidding. They have specialized knowledge of materials like aluminum, carbon and titanium. All the things that bikes are made of. ITM has a proven track record of working diligently to create the lightest weight components and they’ve make a study out of the shapes that are best suited to optimize your cycling performance in order to decrease the amount of energy you waste. Efficiency is what ITM’s overall goal seems to be.

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Selle Italia – The Leader In Innovation

Selle Italia is hands down the leader and reigning champion of saddle innovation. Based out of a small town in Italy, to this day they hand make all their products solely in Italy and have for over 110 years. That’s right; they started building bicycle saddles in 1897! That’s over 100 years of experience and dedication to advancements in the cycling industry.

The unique thing about Selle Italia is how they can simultaneously remain as faithful to tradition as they are to innovation. Selle Italia was the first saddle company to introduce the concept of differentiated thicknesses, shock absorbers, gel and active saddle suspensions. They also pioneered the use of rails in titanium, carbon fiber, Kevlar and tubular rails. Yet, some of their most popular saddles in their collection are ones they have been making for over 20 years. That loyal customer base is something that most other saddle companies don’t have.

Most of this is due to the quality and safety standard they have upheld since their inception. Their attention to detail and their meticulous choice of materials are a guarantee of absolute reliability. Overall, the design and creation phase of their products not only comply with the latest safety standards, they go beyond them. One of the strong points is also their use of full grain leathers. Unlike synthetic materials, it offers the advantage of breathability and limited surface adherence.

We always state clearly that the most personal choice on a bike, is the saddle, and not just because it deals with the most personal parts on the rider. If you spend any time at all on a bike, you know that if your seat is not comfortable, the ride can quickly become unbearable. At Selle Italia the concept of comfort has always gone cheek to cheek with the use of cutting-edge materials and highly innovative systems. Since their inception, they have gained a following that surpasses any other saddle manufacturer, a following that consists of champions like Merckx, Gimondi, Hinault, Moser, Indurain, Pantani, Zabel, Jalabert, Ullrich and Basso to name a few.

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Veloflex – Hand Made Tires From Italy

Are you searching for actual handmade Italian made tires? You’ll be hard pressed to find any nowadays. Believe it or not, since the Vittoria plant in Italy closed and began making all their tires overseas, there are only five individuals who produce tubular tires and clincher tires in the entire country of Italy. The company is called Veloflex.

Even with worldwide distribution, Veloflex still makes all their tires by hand. One by one, Veloflex tires are made to be the best tires money can buy.

Founded in 1981, Veloflex started their company by manufacturing rubber and plastic pieces for printers. But the two founders had a true passion for cycling so they took their rubber and plastic knowledge and transferred it from printers to peletons.

To this day, all the Veloflex tires are handmade by a small group of select people. At a tiny workshop in northern Italy, five skilled craftsmen (and women) work day in and day out to create the most amazing tires on the market today. Machines, sure, they have their merit, and there are a few on the premises for different applications, but nothing beats skilled and loving hands.

Using only the most technologically advanced raw materials available, Veloflex has a patented procedure for making tires by hand that only these five people know.

If you’ve never ridden on a Veloflex handmade Italian tire, you are seriously missing out! Veloflex uses old world ingenuity combined with the most technologically advance raw materials available to produce the smoothest, most durable tires available.

We believe the secret to the smooth, supple ride is the cotton base. Yeah, we know, cotton isn’t very “technologically advanced”, let us explain. Veloflex’s design is both uncomplicated and graceful. They start with a cotton base for a more robust casing. The cotton is formed fiber by fiber until it creates a thick, durable cloth. After the cloth is finished being woven, it is doused with latex which forms it into a thick casing. The casing is then biased at a 45 degree angle for strength while still allowing the necessary flexibility. In our opinion, it’s the cotton casing that makes you feel like you’re floating on a cloud.

After the casing is cured, they have to decide whether they will be making a tubular or a clincher. There may be a time where the decision to make a tubular or clincher will be a mute point. There is a great demand for these handmade Italian tires, such a demand that one of the owners, Gabrielle Colleoni has long considered stopping production on the tubular tires so they can concentrate their efforts on clinchers alone. Its not that the tubulars aren’t doing well, quite the contrary, they too have a great demand. But most of the demand comes from professional cycling teams, whereas the purchasing public are buying up the clinchers faster than their small production team can make them. Turns out the clinchers come off the line faster too, so it seems economically viable to stop production on the tubular all together.

We say, train more people and make more tires! Tubular and Clinchers alike. While we hint to our readers to get your Veloflex tubular tires before it’s too late.

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Tacx -It’s About Innovation and Passion

Tacx, a focused on innovation, is taking their passion for cycling and an inspiration for excellence and turning it into products to make training easier for the rest of us with their exceptional line of Virtual Reality trainers, software and cycling films. Not to mention their full line of repair stands, tools, water bottles and water bottle cages.

It all started way back in 1935 when a child named Koos Tacx was born, or rather, born to ride. On his 22nd birthday, Mr. Tacx, a diehard cycling fan, purchased himself a small bike shop. That little bike shop gradually expanded its services to include the many innovative ideas that were fueled by the passion and persistence of Mr. Tacx and his family. Now, well into the 21st century, we can honestly say, Tacx has made riding and training easier and more efficient for competitive cyclists and amateurs all over the world.

Take the Tacx Flow for example. It is Tacx’s best selling trainer. The Flow looks much like many other magnetic trainers on the market, but Tacx takes the Flow further by making it a complete Ergo Trainer. The Tacx Flow offers heart rate and pedaling frequency as well as current, average and max for speed and power. All of this data is measured and visualized on the sleek, handlebar mounted computer display. During your workout the Tacx Flow allows you to easily adapt the program to your needs for more power or incline resistance. The adjustment is controlled right from your handlebars because the electro-magnetic brake communicates directly with the slimline handlebar mounted computer display. In the Tacx line of trainers, the Flow allows the lowest cost for a trainer with watts, aka – power!

We all know that training can be excruciatingly boring when you’re just staring at your wall. And a television show as a riding partner makes for a weak training session. With this in mind, Tacx developed a line of software systems and cycling videos that will put you in the midst of a road race.

You just need a computer, the software and the trainer unit so you can ride in places like Mt. Ventoux or Alpe d’huez, without leaving the climate controlled comfort of your home.

There are several different levels represented by the Tacx Trainers line each one has their own merits. We’ll start with the cycling training videos.

Tacx trainers now have more than twenty films of legendary rides and cycling classics that were made specifically for the Tacx Virtual Reality Training systems. Rides like Milan San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, the Tour of Lombardy, the Alpine Classic and the Pyrenees Stage, just to name a few. When the videos are linked to your Tacx Trainer, your trainer helps control the speed of the video and the video controls the incline resistance on your trainer. Over the years of developing this system, Tacx has created a wide screen version that allows you to veer left or right so you can explore the course even further.

Next up is the Ergo Video system where you can join in a training ride with world class pro cyclists. It makes for an efficient way to improve your technique and fitness level. The videos are shot on site with the pros, so you can experience the ride with them. With that said, you had better keep up! When they speed up, you will have to also. Fortunately, when they take it easy, you’ll have a chance to catch your breath. It’s a great way to get to that next level in your ride.

Our favorite is the Tacx Fortius virtual trainer. It is like a videogame where you get to use your own bike. You can even race against other Tacx Fortius users via the internet. With a plethora of courses and lengths, you’ll never get bored with indoor training ever again. Powerful engine brakes provide a more realistic resistance to simulate climbing. And they even allow you to coast during descents. We particularly liked how natural the other riders are, their pedal strokes are very realistic. They will cheer, stand on their pedals, shift gears, drink from their water bottles and provide some spectacular crashes for your viewing pleasure.

Tacx has been around since 1957 continuing to make great strides in trainers and accessories to make sure you have the best stuff to work with. In the world of Trainers, Tacx stand above the crowd with its innovation and affordability.

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