During his 2015 MotoGP championship run, Jorge Lorenzo secretly installed a cryosauna inside his motorhome, a detail he deliberately kept hidden from his rival, Valentino Rossi, to gain an edge. Despite the challenge of both riders’ motorhomes being parked close together in the paddock, Lorenzo’s team went to great lengths, even sourcing hydrogen from up to 100 km away, to maintain the secrecy of his recovery setup.
Lorenzo invested heavily in his physical preparation, customizing his camper to accommodate the cryosauna where he subjected himself to extreme cold therapy at -180 degrees Celsius for three minutes after every session. He brought in medical professionals and therapists to ensure he could continually improve and stay strong throughout the demanding season.
The 2015 season was fraught with controversy, highlighted by allegations of collusion involving Rossi and Marc Marquez, and it remains a significant and talked-about chapter in MotoGP history, especially as its tenth anniversary approaches. Following the fallout and Yamaha’s subdued reaction to Lorenzo’s title victory, he eventually moved to Ducati in 2017 and retired in 2019 after an injury with Honda. Next year, Lorenzo is set to return to the paddock in a new role as a rider coach for Maverick Vinales.
Fan Take: This revelation gives fans a fascinating glimpse into the lengths top riders go for a competitive advantage and highlights how innovation extends beyond the track to recovery and preparation. It underscores the fierce rivalry and meticulous strategy behind MotoGP’s elite competition, elements that continue to shape the sport’s drama and evolution.
