The passing of a legend – Mika Ahola

Sadly, 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 died at the Barcelona Hospital, Spain, just hours after undergoing surgery.

The 37-year-old recently announced the retirement of the sport, saying, “I gave it my all, and even though the sport took a lot, it also rewarded me with more than I could have ever imagined when I first started. I have fulfilled my ambitions and I feel that it is time to move on and see what else the world has to offer.”

Ahola not only won five consecutive world titles (from 2007 to 2011) but was also the first rider to win in all three class championships and was the older rider to become a world champion (at 37). He also won the ISDE title seven times as part of Team Finland.

Close friend and respected European photojournalist, Jonty Edmund, says a few words in Ahola’s memory.