When you’ve got sporting talent, the next best thing you can hope for, especially in motorsport, is the support and sponsorship required to get you on to the main stage.
Passion, emotion and commitment are just a couple of things luxury watchmakers TAG Heuer see in UAE Sportbikes champion Mahmoud Tannir, hence the brand’s eagerness to announce their sponsorship deal renewal with the 38-year-old track star at the start of the year.
Al-Futtaim Honda also used Tannir to mark its entry into the UAE motorsport circuit this month, and the architect by day will now ride a Honda CBR 600 in his bid to again defend his championship title.
He’s in action at the Dubai Autodrome this weekend and Sport360 reporter Kara Martin managed to catch up with Tannir during his preparations for the race.
How were you introduced to sportbikes and racing?
It wasn’t until 2010 that I started showing some results and understood how to ride fast and I’m very proud of winning two consecutive titles and also being the first Lebanese to compete in this sport and to win a championship.
It might have arrived very late to me, and, yes I’m that old….but I still have dreams to fulfill so I’m not stopping anytime soon!
Well, I can see why TAG Heuer is so fond of you…How has your bid at continuous success changed with such huge backing?
It’s been amazing, not only because of the brand name and what it has achieved along the years, whether in luxury watches or motorsport partnerships, but it’s also because it is represented by wonderful people with an amazing mindset towards supporting athletes in motorsport.
Having such a big brand behind us is inspiring because we are constantly reminded of the calibre of its people and products which in turn pushes us to be better performers on many levels to represent the brand in the best way possible.
TAG Heuer have helped my racing career a lot, through their sponsorship and moral support but our partnership is more than just racing. Being a member of their celebrity club is a great experience and I’ve been fortunate to have met like minded and talented members who have great passion for what they do. It feels like being a part of a big family.
With a full-time job you also find the time and energy to do consistent track practice. What is it that keeps you interested?
I’ve been always competitive especially in sporting events or games, it’s part of who I am but I guess I found the ultimate way of competing and constantly challenging and improving myself. And, luckily, I work for a great company (Majid Al Futtaim) and they are very supportive of what I do and they also sponsor me. They believe that employees have their own goals and achievements to look forward to outside work and are supportive of initiatives that inspire others.
Have you considered racing full-time?
I should’ve started earlier in order to do that, but I would still like to be involved in some international races if I get the opportunity to fulfill a dream. With proper support, I would look into being involved fulltime in racing through team managerial roles or federations and mentoring in this sport in the future.
Surely it’s a risky sport to be involved in at an “older” age?
[laughs] It’s not a sport for the fainthearted for sure. But learning the right way and moving through the ranks can be a positive experience.
Crashing is part of the game and with the protection that racers have at the moment, it is safer. I always compare it to how dangerous it is to ride on the roads – it is a lot less dangerous and more fun within a closed and safe environment.
Age wise, you can start as early as possible on mini bikes (even from 4, 5 years old) if you want to reach international level. The limit, I’d say, is based on your ability and competitiveness as it is quite physically and mentally demanding.
What sort of mental and physical training will you typically do in preparation for defending your title?
Physically, you use very specific muscles and your core a lot! I train 5-6 times a week off the bike (but that’s because I like to train no matter what) and focus on stamina, endurance and strength as I cannot get too big with weights – this would have a negative impact on a rider’s movement and flexibility.
Cycling is a major part of training as well but the most important part of the equation is your brain and mental strength, I practise on the track whenever I have the chance through track days. Hand/eye coordination is also important as well as focus and awareness, technical knowledge and a ‘feel’ for what the bike is telling you.
How much is spent on maintaining and repairing the bikes? How often are they replaced?
A highly maintained bike can last up to 3 or 4 seasons, but there would be a limit on how competitive it will be with new models coming out. With small crashes and slides you do get a little damage which is ok, it’s when you have a big one is when it hurts money wise!
Starting a season, you need a new bike which will cost around Dh40K, then you need to prepare it to race by getting performance parts and protection, some spares, etc…so you’re looking at around Dh60K-100K for the first season depending on your level. Then it’s about maintaining the bike in future seasons so you don’t need to spend that amount every year. The alternative is to buy a used race bike, which can normally go for Dh25K-40K, depending on age and the status of course but it’s a ready-to-race option.
Is there more the federation here can do to grow talent and race pedigree on par with that which you’ve found in Europe?
This sport has a long history in Europe and it is still relatively young on the local scene but the level is increasing year after year.
More involvement from the organisers in promoting/advertising can increase the attendance at the races which in turn will open doors to sponsors and that will surely increase the number of participants. The government can have the biggest impact in supporting the series through incentives, sponsorships and raising aware-ness with more focus of course on local talents to encourage them to step in.
