Aldon Baker is the most celebrated and successful trainer in the sport, the championships and the records speak for themselves. And you can’t argue with the record books.
But there are questions in a couple of areas. In particular Aldon’s lack of success with younger riders, and as he is/was the exclusive trainer the KTM and Husqvarna factory teams, they have shared this problem.
The current crop of youngsters at the Bakers factory are Max Vohland, who trains with Aldon, and Jalek Swoll and Stilez Robertson, who train with Mike Brown. Stilez is leaving for Star Yamaha at the end of the year, Jalek’s ride is looking shaky, and Max has really struggled since turning pro. That said, they all have shown potential.
Previous youngsters of note that have trained at the Bakers factory are, a young Ken Roczen, a very young Adam Ciancairulo, and Michael Mosiman. Ken, already a world MX2 champion, won the 2014 450 pro motocross title with Aldon at 20 years old, but famously left the program at the end of the following season, in true Kenny style he was quite vocal about their disagreements. Adam left the program at 18 years old. Michael moved sideways from Husqvarna to TLD Gas Gas, which meant a new trainer, but he has stated that he was looking for a change.
I don’t need to go over the strict routine and strict diet, power to weight, no riding of different tracks, no off season races and so on. Life at the Bakers factory is well known, from countless interviews over the years.
It’s scientifically documented that men, don’t mature between the ears until their mid 20’s, some studies say late 20’s. And we don’t need science to tell us about men’s bodies growing well into their 20’s. Whether you’re an athlete, farmer, truckie or a tradesman, your “Man Strength” takes a while to develop. For some it never comes (looking at you, office boy!)
Guys, if you’re over 25, think about yourself now, and compare that to yourself at 18. Girls, think about your brothers and friends. (Girls are all grown and smart, by like 15!) There is a big difference in so many ways. Ask any successful leader, coach, teacher or parent, the needs of an 18 year old are vastly different to an adult. Young men aren’t even ready to cope with adult life’s normal pressures and disciplines, let alone a super strict daily routine.
I believe for riders to cope with Aldon’s discipline they need to be already mentally and physically battle hardened, with years of pro racing under their belt, and the bumps, bruises and scars that come with that. Nothing hardens a person more than experiencing hardship, repeatedly falling down mentally and physically and in time, getting back up and fighting again. That “time” I just mentioned is not available, under a strict routine.
I’m not breaking ground with this theory, many of the moto media have mentioned it before. I wanted to give my take on the subject, particularly as I feel that Max is being given a raw deal.
Here’s some backup to the theory. And remember, you can’t argue with the record books.
Aldon first came to the sport via a friendship with Johnny O’Mara that led to him training Ricky Carmichael. At that time RC was already a multi time champion looking to take it to another level. Notable riders following RC were…
- James Stewart, already a multi time champion.
- Ryan Villopoto, already a multi time champion.
- Ken Roczen, already a world champion.
- Adam Ciancirulo, Arguably the biggest amateur star ever, Left the program still
very young.
- Ryan Dungey, already a multi time champion.
- Marvin Musquin, already a 2x world champion, left the program.
- Jason Anderson, a 250 champion, left the program.
- Zach Osbourne, became a multi time champion with Aldon’s training in his mid/late 20’s after grinding out a career in Europe and the US.
- Cooper Webb, already a 3x 250 champion.
- Michael Mosiman
- Aaron Plessinger, a 250 champion.
- Malcolm Stewart, a 250 champion.
- RJ Hampshire is 26 years old, and then there is the youngsters I mentioned earlier.
Success with young and unproven riders is clearly missing here. Who is the next 250 star for the KTM or Husqvarna teams? Evan Ferry has left Husqvarna, Haiden Deegan has left KTM.
What does the future hold for the Austrian giant? Makes you think hey?
Go Riding
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