We are sitting with Heikki Mikkola at his home in Helsinki. Hanging on the wall are four world championship medallions — each of them tells its own story.
”I never thought about losing”
How did it feel to win your first world championship in 1974?
It was an incredible feeling. I had been riding hard the whole season, but until the last race, nothing was certain. When it was confirmed, I couldn’t quite believe it was true.
What was the most difficult race of your career?
Belgium 1976. The track was wet and slippery, visibility was almost zero. I fell twice but got back up and continued. That’s when I learned that giving up is not an option.
How did training differ from today?
Nowadays there are coaches, nutritional advice, data analysis. We had passion and toughness. We rode even in the winter, in snow and freezing temperatures. That made us resilient.
To young riders
What advice would you give to today’s young motocross riders?
Love the sport more than winning. Victories come through love — not the other way around. And fall bravely. Every fall teaches you something.
Do you follow the current MXGP series?
Yes, with excitement. The Coenen brothers are amazing. The sport has evolved tremendously — engines, tires, tracks — but that same madness is still there. That pleases me.
