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the other way around.
After his professional motocross career, Mikkola wanted something different. There were many options for functions related to motorsport and motorcycle racing in general. "I lived in the countryside all my life and during my trips around the world I saw what life is like in the big metropolises. The choice was easy. Finland and living and farming in the home region," explains Mikkola.
Mikkola bought a farm near Loppi, which he runs successfully together with his wife Kaija. Its main activity is the direct sale of agricultural products. Potatoes and other vegetables, flour, grains and also products from our own bakery. There are 50 hectares of arable land, so the days are long during the summer.
"I am happy with my choice. However, the profession of a farmer in EU Finland is demanding and full of administrative hassle. For example, I have to spray the soil with weed killer every five years to prevent the growth of weeds among dairy wheat.
After his professional motocross career, Mikkola wanted something different. There were many options for functions related to motorsport and motorcycle racing in general. "I lived in the countryside all my life and during my trips around the world I saw what life is like in the big metropolises. The choice was easy. Finland and living and farming in the home region," explains Mikkola.
Mikkola bought a farm near Loppi, which he runs successfully together with his wife Kaija. Its main activity is the direct sale of agricultural products. Potatoes and other vegetables, flour, grains and also products from our own bakery. There are 50 hectares of arable land, so the days are long during the summer.
"I am happy with my choice. However, the profession of a farmer in EU Finland is demanding and full of administrative hassle. For example, I have to spray the soil with weed killer every five years to prevent the growth of weeds among dairy wheat.
It is definitely easier than, for example, motorcycle driving lessons, for which a one-off training is sufficient, ”says Heikki.
In the profession of a farmer, Mikkola is charmed by his freedom. “He's his own boss. I like to hunt and it's easier to do that when you're in the field,” says Mikkola. Mikkola is a member of the local hunting club. He has been chairman of a hunting club and for a few years also deer commander.
Today, motorsport is no longer part of Heikki Mikkola's life. I don't have a motorcycle anymore. I ride the Päijänne rally a few times, the last one this year and did some promotion.
"If I were to guide and support young racers, it would require total focus. I no longer have the opportunity to do that," says Heikki.
In the profession of a farmer, Mikkola is charmed by his freedom. “He's his own boss. I like to hunt and it's easier to do that when you're in the field,” says Mikkola. Mikkola is a member of the local hunting club. He has been chairman of a hunting club and for a few years also deer commander.
Today, motorsport is no longer part of Heikki Mikkola's life. I don't have a motorcycle anymore. I ride the Päijänne rally a few times, the last one this year and did some promotion.
"If I were to guide and support young racers, it would require total focus. I no longer have the opportunity to do that," says Heikki.
Just talent is not enough
What are your instructions for young people? "No sport should be started too young. You have to be sure that the sport you choose is the right one. It is important to practicing a lot of sports and gradually choose the sport that suits you best. It’s not recommendable
to focus on motocross before the age of 15 ”, says Mikkola.
What brings you to the top of motocross? "The starting point is talent. Then you have to have an eye for motorcycling. The skill to develop a dirt bike is essential on your way to the top. Fourth, but not the least, is continuous training. If any of these things are weak , then there is no chance of reaching the top level, "assures Mikkola. He puts the emphasis on seeing the lines." In Motocross the track is constantly changing and every lap you have to be able to see where the fastest line is. The current production engines are good in terms of suspension, so you don't have to fiddle with them much anymore. There must also be a will to win. 'You should never settle for any place other than the first. You must always be thirsty for victory, 'assures Mikkola.
Mikkola keeps in touch with former competitors. After all, they had a life together for ten years. “I was a guest at Roger de Coster's in the US for a few weeks last year. Then I spoke to Brad Lackey on the phone, even though I didn't meet him at the time,” says Mikkola.
Text and photos: Simo Kohonen
What brings you to the top of motocross? "The starting point is talent. Then you have to have an eye for motorcycling. The skill to develop a dirt bike is essential on your way to the top. Fourth, but not the least, is continuous training. If any of these things are weak , then there is no chance of reaching the top level, "assures Mikkola. He puts the emphasis on seeing the lines." In Motocross the track is constantly changing and every lap you have to be able to see where the fastest line is. The current production engines are good in terms of suspension, so you don't have to fiddle with them much anymore. There must also be a will to win. 'You should never settle for any place other than the first. You must always be thirsty for victory, 'assures Mikkola.
Mikkola keeps in touch with former competitors. After all, they had a life together for ten years. “I was a guest at Roger de Coster's in the US for a few weeks last year. Then I spoke to Brad Lackey on the phone, even though I didn't meet him at the time,” says Mikkola.
Text and photos: Simo Kohonen