There are any number of reasons why Suzuki’s Ricky Carmichael has compiled the greatest records in the history of Supercross/Motocross racing. Not the least of these, however, is Carmichael’s legendary conditioning. How many riders can attack a motocross track as hard as RC at the end of an Outdoor moto? The answer is zero. Carmichael is super fit.
Aldon Baker has an awful lot to do with Carmichael’s fitness. Carmichael has been trained by Baker for several years now. Carmichael shared with the press the fact that Baker will now be working with Nicky Hayden.
What could this mean for Hayden? Well, conditioning may not be as important on a road race bike as it is on a motocross bike, but it could make a huge difference nevertheless. Assuming Hayden’s fitness level is far below where Baker can take him, it should pay big dividends on the track. We don’t know whether Aldon Baker will be working with Hayden to any great extent from this time forward, but we belive that Baker and Hayden are exploring a training relationship that could be just as extensive as the relationship between Carmichael and Baker after Carmichael retires from full-time racing (in a year, or so).
