Finnish downhill legend Matti Lehikoinen will make a surprise comeback to competitive racing at the Finnish Enduro Nationals in Iso-Syöte, where he will compete in the E-Bike Enduro Championship category.
Lehikoinen is widely regarded as the most successful Finnish downhill rider of all time, with a UCI Downhill World Cup race victories among the highlights of his international career. However, it has been quite some time since he last lined up on a race start line.
”We started a bit of a project about middle of August when they called me from HEPHA one morning to see how I'm doing and asked whether I was busy beginning of September, which was to be honest pretty short notice, and asked me if I wanted to join the HEPHA team to ride for the Finnish Nationals E-bike Enduro. At first I was a bit hesitant and then I'm like: 'Nah, let's do it.' You know, one talks and here we are, I´m all kitted up and excited, so let's see how it goes!” Lehikoinen explained.
For his return to racing, Lehikoinen will ride a HEPHA All Mountain 7 Tschugg Signature e-mountain bike.
Lehikoinen is taking a new challenge with HEPHA
HEPHA Northern Europe Country Manager Kimmo Hurri sees Lehikoinen's participation as a unique opportunity: "Matti is a true legend of Finnish mountain biking and one of the most recognized names in the sport. For all of us at HEPHA, it is a real privilege to see Matti back in action wearing the HEPHA logo. We are also excited to follow how the HEPHA All Mountain 7 Tschugg Signature performs in a demanding racing environment."
The Finnish Enduro and E-Enduro National Championships will take place in the spectacular trails of Iso-Syöte, Finland, on September 5-6, 2026.
