Marko Tarkkala had his first competition in 1994 and turned pro in 2002. He competed in EWC for over a decade as well as in ISDE, being part of the winning Finnish Team in 2011. These days he is focusing on the Finnish Championship races.

How did you get started in riding?

My father bought me a Yamaha 50cc when I was 4 years old.

What do you do when you aren’t riding?

I train motocross and enduro riders.

What are your hobbies?

Ice hockey and all kind of sports.

What do you do in the off-season?

I relax, train and study.

Do you have any pre-race rituals?

No, I just try focus.

Where’s your favorite place to ride?

My home track in Finland.

What was your best moment as a pro rider?

My first day win in the 2005 WEC in Heinola, and all my World Championship medals.

What are your riding goals?

My riding goal is to be fastest.

What is your advice for those just starting out?

Don’t give up and always enjoy!

What’s the funniest or weirdest reason you have had DNF?

One time I switched to a new grip on the throttle side, because I had crashed and broken a grip. We put superglue on the grip and tested to see if the gas was operating normally. But when it came my time go to the time control, the gas didn’t work!

Why did you choose the Rabaconda 3-Minute Mousse Changer?

Rabaconda is reliable and easy to use.

Marko’s Stats

Name: Marko Tarkkala

Birthday: 16 June 1987 

Nation: Finland

Team: Beta

Number: 23 

Series: Finnish Enduro Championship

Titles: 

• 2011 ISDE E3 Winner
• 2006 ISDE E3 Winner
• 2004 ISDE Junior Winner

Marko is on Facebook.