Haiden Deegan Returns to Training with Gareth ‘Swanie’ Swanepoel, Parting Ways with Christian Craig…

In a significant shift in his training regimen, Haiden Deegan, the rising star of Star Racing Yamaha, has announced his decision to discontinue his individual training sessions with Christian Craig. Instead, Deegan is returning to work with his former trainer, Gareth ‘Swanie’ Swanepoel, aiming to recapture the speed and dominance that propelled him to the top of the 250SX West Coast Supercross series.

 

**Transitioning Back to Familiar Grounds**

 

Deegan shared his decision during an interview with Lewis Phillips, stating, “I’m back working with Swanie. Back to my old program. I tried something and, no hate to anybody, I just didn’t feel like it fit me as good as it should and that’s kind of what the team thought.” He emphasized his commitment to returning to his winning form, expressing, “I had two weeks to really work hard and I want to win really bad.” Deegan further added, “I will do anything at this point to get back to where I was, winning and dominant.”

 

**Background of the Training Shift**

 

Prior to this change, Deegan had been training under the guidance of Christian Craig, a seasoned rider and former teammate at Star Racing Yamaha. Craig, who returned to the team in October 2024 on a two-year deal as both a racer and a 250 rider development coach, had been instrumental in Deegan’s preparation for the 2025 Supercross season. Their collaboration focused on refining Deegan’s technique and enhancing his performance.

 

**The Role of Gareth ‘Swanie’ Swanepoel**

 

Gareth ‘Swanie’ Swanepoel, a former Grand Prix rider, has been a pivotal figure in Deegan’s development. Their partnership has been marked by a strong rapport and a shared commitment to excellence. Deegan’s return to Swanepoel’s training program signifies a strategic move to reestablish the synergy that contributed to his earlier successes.

 

**Implications for Deegan’s 2025 Supercross Campaign**

 

This realignment in Deegan’s training approach is expected to have a significant impact on his performance in the 2025 Supercross season. By returning to a familiar and effective training regimen, Deegan aims to enhance his competitiveness and strive for the championship title in the West Coast Supercross series.

 

**Looking Ahead**

 

As Deegan embarks on this renewed training journey with Gareth ‘Swanie’ Swanepoel, the motocross community anticipates a resurgence of his formidable presence on the track. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this strategic shift will influence his performance in the upcoming season.

 

For a deeper insight into Christian Craig’s return to Star Yamaha and its potential impact on Haiden Deegan’s career, you can watch the following video: