Memories of Mika Ahola

Jonty Edmunds

Five-time World Enduro Champion, Mika Ahola, died over the weekend from a suspected infection to internal injuries sustained during a practice crash three weeks ago. The Finnish rider passed away at the Barcelona Hospital, Spain, just hours after undergoing surgery. We asked photojournalist and close friend of Mika’s, Jonty Edmunds, to say a few words in his memory.

Mika Ahola was a rider that showed the world that if you believe in yourself, and can match that belief with a determined work ethic, you can achieve great things. Mika certainly achieved great things. From the rider that seemed destined never to win an Enduro World Championship he went on to become one of the very best. The word legend is banded around a little too easily these days in my opinion, but Mika truly was a legend. A skilled, determined and successful racer, and a warm, intelligent, inspirational and engaging man.

I’m fortunate to have many great memories of Mika; of the long-haired guy from Finland that I was lucky enough to become friends with. Of time spent with him and his wife, Marika, in Las Vegas casinos. Of time spent chewing the fat while having lunch with them both the day after he claimed his fifth consecutive EWC title late last year. Of time spent fishing with Mika at his home in Finland a few years back. But most of all I remember the countless times interviews turned into relaxed, hour-long conversations and how hopeless it was trying to grab a ‘quick quote’.

Mika loved to talk openly and honestly about his day, his career, his successes, but more than anything the sport of enduro – both the good, the bad, the present and the future. Speaking from the heart, his words were always honest. His comments always considered and genuine.

It wasn’t all that long ago that ‘to do a Mika’ meant to do something stupid – to clock in a minute early, to make a complete hash of changing a tyre, to come within striking distance of winning a world title only to endure some kind of agonising misfortune.

But to become like Mika – the all conquering EWC title winning machine he was – is something most international enduro riders would give their right arm for today.

Mika’s focus, determination and drive to be the best was incredible. Only those that know what it takes to win one world title can truly grasp the commitment and sacrifices needed to claim five in a row.

Mika did things his way. When Finnish riders dominated enduro most set up camp in Spain. Mika opted for Italy. With TM and VOR he became Mr ISDE. With Husqvarna he hit rock bottom. Then with Honda, when few believed he’d ever be the rider he once was, he became better than he ever was. Hunting down titles in the E1, E2 and E3 classes, Mika achieved success, earned respect, and then went in search of new challenges, new riders to beat, and new classes in which to prove himself.

Mika is known to most simply as the super-fast five-time Enduro World Champion. But it was his warm natured friendliness that made him a truly great guy to be around.

Rest in peace my friend.

Enduro has been in Jonty Edmund’s bones his entire life. Highlights of his racing career include second in the 1997 European 125cc Enduro Championship and bagging an ISDE gold medal before suffering a string of injuries that left him sidelined, but which opened the door to a career in moto media. Since then, he has forged a reputation as one of Europe’s most respected photojournalists, runs the British Enduro Sprint Championship, puts out Enduro Illustrated – EWC’s photo annual – and runs a moto-PR company that handles the likes of David Knight and Taddy Blazusiak.