Episode 6 - Chris Neville

“There’s no point in being ultra-fit if your machinery isn’t great.”

In this episode of The Spark Inside, hosts Christian Hewgill and Becca Knight delve into the world of high-speed motorsport with Chris Neville, Performance Specialist for Team GB Speedway. Chris shares his unique journey, starting as a professional footballer, transitioning into a conditioning coach, and eventually moving into the thrilling world of Speedway. He talks about the science behind improving rider performance, from physical conditioning and mental preparation to the crucial interplay of human and machine. Chris also offers insights from his time working with iconic athletes like David Beckham and reflects on how innovation and teamwork have driven success in both motorsport and football.

Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or curious about the intersection of engineering and human performance, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into what it takes to excel at the highest levels.

Key Moments:

[00:00:00] Introduction: Cars, bikes, and all things motorsport

[00:03:14] Guest Intro: Chris Neville’s multifaceted career

[00:06:55] Speedway 101: A beginner’s guide to the sport

[00:14:40] Physical vs. Mental: The balance in rider performance

[00:16:34] Marginal Gains: Borrowing strategies from other sports

[00:23:58] Behind the Scenes: Innovations in Team GB Speedway

[00:24:57] The Future of Motorsport: Training the next generation

[00:28:14] Advice for Aspiring Sports Professionals: Find your niche

Featuring: Chris Neville

Presented by: Becca Knight and Christian Hewgill

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Podcast Website: www.thesparkinside.co.uk 

The Spark Inside is an 18Sixty production brought to you by Niterra UK Ltd.