On January 15th 2012, our little world of enduro lost one of the greatest characters and champions we’ll ever know. So suddenly, so unexpectedly, and so cruelly, Mika Ahola slipped from our grasp.

At first, early details surrounding his death were unknown, but as news of his passing filtered through in more detail it left the enduro world shell shocked. How could a five-time world champion, a man so fit, healthy and full of life, leave us before his time?

What Mika achieved during the later stages of his 37 years will live on forever. What he achieved in securing five Enduro World Championship titles in five consecutive seasons will be celebrated forever more.

As a five-time consecutive Enduro World Champion, the oldest rider ever to win an EWC title, the only rider to have won a title in all three senior categories, and also to have won the International Six Days Enduro outright, well, it goes without saying Mika achieved one hell of a lot.

But it’s off the track where for many he’ll be most fondly remembered. As a character that was full of life, Mika had time for everyone. He loved competition, and loved having to deliver his very best in order to win. But when the racing was done it was done. Racing was a part of Mika’s life, not Mika’s life.

Always happy, smiling and full of laughter, Mika was loved by so many. And was pretty damn good at racing too…

RIP Mika.