One of the riders using the system is Shaun Simpson from the Red Bull KTM Factory team. The Scotsman gave us an idea how the system works and why he depends on it.

MXlarge: Shaun, can you give me and idea what makes this system special?

Simpson: The USWE system is Swedish build and it’s used for cross country skiing and things like that, long endurance sports. It came into in Motocross and while Motocross isn’t long endurance, it can be tough for 40 minutes when the weather is hot and you get a dry mouth and dehydration sets in pretty quickly. Even if you are well hydrated before the race you can still dip off near the end of a moto.

MXlarge: How do you feel with this system and what type of fluid do you put in the pack?

Simpson: Basically it keeps your body cool and keeps your mouth from drying up, and being too sticky. Also when it’s dusty, you can wash your mouth out. I tend to use it in extreme cases, I would use it at a place like Lierop, even if it’s raining that is a tough circuit and you need something to replenish your system. I might put something in there with salt in it, or maybe an energy drink, but not something that is sticky, you don’t want your mouth to get all sticky.

MXlarge: So how does the process go of taking a drink, does it last a complete moto?

Simpson: In the packs we have it is like 500mls, it’s enough for the race. If you drink a mouthful every two laps then you are pretty much okay for the whole race. Just picking an easy spot and taking a quick drink. Sometimes my mechanic puts on the board “drink”, things like that. Sometimes when you are in battle you can forget to use it, so that isn’t something you want to do, so it’s handy if you mechanic can tell you, a good reminder. It feels good definitely.

MXlarge: The system is also hands free or not?

Simpson: This is the first time I have used it and it’s a unique product for Motocross and I know in some other sports they have drink systems, but most of them you have to use with your hand, and this one is hands free, you can just grab it with your tongue.

MXlarge: It seems to be growing the use of the drink system; if you looked at Glen Helen I mean Townley was using it, De Dycker, Nagl, Desalle and yourself?

Simpson: Some guys are saying I don’t need that stuff, but it doesn’t bother me, it is a good system that attaches to your neck brace, and the tube and system weights maybe half a kilo with water in, it’s not something that bothers me, and it’s something that doesn’t hold me back and it’s nice to have a cool drink when I am riding around.

MXlarge: I noticed you have a cool design on yours.

Simpson: We also have our own design, mine matches with the back of the shirt, obviously the people that are making it they want it to look good and if it matches in with the Alpinestar shirt then it looks normal. It’s the way to go, it looks cool.

They have a range of systems for different neck braces, Max has a different neck brace to me and he also uses the system. Even if you don’t wear a neck brace they have a backpack type of system. It’s just such an easy system to have. It is stress free really; just fill up the water and go.