Former motorcycle road racer turned moto-journalist Alex Gobert will launch the Road Race Performance Academy in the second half of 2008, the 24-year-old developing an all-new riding development program to help advance the performance of Australian sportsbike riders and racers. The program has been developed to attract all abilities of sportsbike riders, with everybody from first time ride day riders to aspiring professional racers invited, giving many riders around Australia the opportunity to improve their riding skills for more efficient and safer riding. In an all new initiative to further increase his involvement in the sport after racing as a professional with Honda in both Australia and the United States, Gobert will continue to focus on his expanding media career as the Sport Editor of Australian Motorcycle News and freelance journalist for magazines around the world while also travelling around Australia as the director and head coach of RRPA. With support from Honda Australia, RRPA has secured the world’s leading motorcycling manufacturer for the staff coaches to use at each school, although riders from all brands are welcome to attend and enjoy the extensive coaching curriculum under one of the most experienced sportsbike riders in the country. Featuring sessions to accommodate for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced riders, RRPA will provide a focused development program with limited numbers of riders per event, giving participants an exclusive training session with the RRPA coaches, which will include Gobert and select factory racer guest coaches throughout the year. An integral event on the RRPA calendar will be the Junior Coaching Camps, with Australia’s next crop of rising talent set to undergo an important training program to help them develop their skills further as they learn the grass roots of motorcycle racing alongside Gobert “” a former national junior champion. Along with Honda Motorcycles, RRPA has also secured partnerships with Australian Motorcycle News (AMCN), Alpinestars, AGV Helmets, Dunlop Tyres and Gatorade in a high profile campaign that will travel to many circuits around Australia. Keep up to date with AMCN as an exclusive rider training column by Gobert will be introduced in an upcoming issue to give readers essential hints and tips to help improve their riding on a fortnightly basis as the magazine is released. With a schedule of one school per month for the remainder of this year beginning in September, RRPA will expand in 2009 for a full calendar of at least 15 events nationwide to allow riders from all states the opportunity to experience the new era in Australian sportsbike coaching. Features of the riding development program curriculum will include world class techniques such as: “¢ Preparation “” How to prepare for each track day or race day “¢ Corner Entry “” Select your line and take the correct approach to the turn “¢ Mid-Corner “” Learn to carry your speed and flow through the turn “¢ Corner Exit “” Set up for a fast exit and stay on the correct line “¢ Braking “” Brake smoother, later and with more control “¢ Shifting “” Get crucial gear-shifts correct in to turns and on acceleration “¢ Throttle Control “” How much and when to apply gas “¢ Body Position “” Learn the correct body position for your riding style “¢ Visual Awareness “” One of the most important aspects of riding is where to look “¢ Relaxation “” Make the most of your riding by breathing and relaxing on the bike “¢ Health “” We touch on the basics of how healthy living can improve your riding “¢ Safety “” Safe riding is good riding. Safe riding is promoted on the track and street Other qualities of the RRPA program include: “¢ Nationwide coaching “” RRPA comes to you “¢ Tuition from professional coaches “¢ Professional racers as guest coaches “¢ Exclusive coaching with limited riders at each event “¢ In-depth riding development program for efficient and safe riding “¢ Receive prize packs on arrival including specially produced RRPA caps, notepads, pens and a course information booklet “¢ Win sponsor products on the day “¢ Take home a participation certificate signed by Alex Gobert “¢ Enjoy Gatorade as RRPA official hydration “¢ One on one coaching available “¢ The most publicised school in Australia Stay tuned for the launch of the official Road Race Performance Academy website in the coming weeks, along with a calendar to be revealed in a following media release when dates are finalised. ALEX GOBERT: “I have developed the Road Race Performance Academy, along with support from many friends and supporters in the motorcycle industry, to provide riders with a fresh new option to learn how to make the most of motorcycling. Just like my racing career and work in the media, I am 100 percent dedicated to helping RRPA succeed and give an enjoyable experience to riders who are eager to advance their riding. I look forward to revealing further information in the following weeks and can’t wait for the inaugural school to be confirmed for September.” About Alex Gobert: Alex Gobert, 24, is a former professional motorcycle racer who began racing motocross at six years of age before embarking on a road racing career as a Junior when he was 14. Crowned Australian Junior Road Racing Champion in 1998, Alex then moved to Senior racing and quickly attracted Honda Australia to sign him up to race for the factory Australian Superbike team in 2000 and 2001. Two successful seasons saw Alex win races at the highest level in Australian competition, before he was signed by American Honda to ride for the Erion Honda factory satellite team in the AMA road racing series “” at just 18 years of age. Remaining in the USA for four seasons at Honda with multiple AMA podiums and top four results in both the AMA Supersport and Formula Xtreme Championships, Alex then decided to return to Australia and pursue a career in motorcycle journalism. Alex has worked for Australian Motorcycle News as the Sport Editor since 2006, creating himself a successful new career as a writer and test rider for Australia’s leading magazine. He also works for Australian Auto Action and is a freelance writer for overseas magazines. Setting his goals on forming the Road Race Performance Academy, Alex will continue his journalism career while establishing his very own riding school to help Australian riders advance.