OJC riders attend two-day high-performance camp

What does it take to be a professional sportsperson?

Far more than just what happens in the heat of battle, as the 2025 BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup riders discovered first-hand during a two-day high-performance training camp on the Gold Coast prior to round two of their championship at Queensland Raceway from May 2-4.

The camp was run by Paul Haines from elite performance training business Perform, who educated the OJC riders on the fundamentals of becoming an elite sportsperson such as cognitive training, recovery, nutrition/fuelling and psychological factors.

Paul focussed on those first principles through a variety of practical sessions, such as the ice bath which always manages to take the breath away!

The camp was a sharp reminder of the ‘human’ factors – preparation, dedication and knowledge – required to maximise performance in a professional sporting landscape.

Here are a couple of camp testimonials:

Rossi McAdam
“I just wrapped up an incredible two-day performance training organized by OJC, and I wanted to share my experience.

“On Tuesday, we kicked things off at Urban Energy with an Introduction to High Performance Fundamentals seminar, which really set the tone for the day. After a quick lunch break, where we got hands-on with both theory and practical exercises. It was all about getting our bodies ready for the track, and I made sure to bring my training gear, hydration, and a change of clothes.

“Later, we focused on Moto Specific Strengthening, followed by an Ice Water Recovery session. It was intense but so rewarding! A massive shoutout to Paul Haines, the Director of PERFORM, who was unbelievably supportive and encouraging throughout the training. He helped us with every aspect, from nutrition to mental strategies.”

Stevie Middlebrook:
“I gained great benefit from the nutritional advice and meal planning pre-race and race day, due to a hand injury was no able to participate in many of physical activities.

“The knowledge gained from the training camp not only has benefit for my racing but also for my life plan as a sports physio.”

“Great atmosphere and very well presented. Thanks to Paul and Alex at Perform.”

The high-performance camp was the latest off-track initiative for the FIM-backed and Dorna-endorsed Road to MotoGP circuit racing academy, which last year included picking the brains of Aussie icon Mick Doohan and current MotoGP riders Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins and Johann Zarco during the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, as well as visiting the home of the Carlton Football Club in Melbourne to get a guided tour of a high-performance sporting facility.