Football & Motocross collide; Sami Hyypiä speaks

Former star of the UEFA Champions League Sami Hyypiä is a sporting hero that has a huge interest in motocross. You often see the football icon lurking around the MXGP paddock, which is why we decided to have a word with him and see what he thinks about the all new Monster Energy SMX Riders’ and Manufacturers Cup’ that will be taking place inside one of the most spectacular football stadiums in the world, the VELTINS-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany on October 8th.

Following this interview it became evident why Sami Hyypiä is the official Ambassador of the star-studded Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup.

MXGP: Motocross inside a football stadium! That must be exciting for you as a football star, what are you looking forward to most at the Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup?

I’m looking forward to the Monster Energy SMX Riders' Cup a lot because it’s a new interesting concept, the race will be held at the football stadium! I’ve been to many races in the MXGP series and it is always amazing to see great racing. I think it will be even better with the American riders coming here to Europe and competing against the MXGP stars.

MXGP: What do you like about motocross?

I’ve always been a motorsport fan. My interest for motocross started when I was a child; my neighbor was riding motocross. I went to see him training and racing, but I didn’t get to ride the mx bike myself. My neighbor stopped riding for a while, but he bought a bike again and started to ride, then one summer I tried his bike in Finland and it felt so good that I wanted to buy one too. Now motocross is a great hobby for me, of course it’s a way to stay fit too. I’ve met a lot of amazing people in motocross and I love the atmosphere. That’s a credit to all of you who are involved with motocross.

MXGP: What are your thoughts about having a motocross race inside the VELTINS-Arena?

To have the event at the VELTINS-Arena is superb cause it’s a great venue for something like this. I’ve played there for Bayer Leverkusen and for my country, and have been there as a coach of Bayer Leverkusen. I hope the stadium will be full on the 8th of October.

All the fans are able to see the whole track and they wont miss any action during the race. It will be awesome.

MXGP: Do you know many footballers or other athletes that ride motorcycles or enjoy motocross?

I think there are many footballers and athletes who are motorsport fans, but actually to ride a motorcycle is another matter. For example in football the contract will not allow you to do any other sport, and riding a motorcycle is anyway a bit dangerous. Over the years I’ve met a lot of other athletes at the MXGP races and it’s always nice to chat with them. 

MXGP: Who do you think will win? Who do you want to win?

I hope that Husqvarna will win and I think they have a good chance to do that as well. But all the manufactures have great riders competing, racing will be amazing and I know the best will win!

MXGP: What do you admire about motocross athletes?

I think motocross is one of the toughest sports in the world. Physically you need to be very fit to compete at the top level and mentally its also very demanding. It amazes me every time when I come to see motocross how easy the riders make it look. To realize how difficult it really is, you would need to jump on the bike and have a go!

Thanks for the chat Sami, we look forward to seeing you there!

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE MONSTER ENERGY SMX RIDERS’ CUP, VELTINS-Arena OCTOBER 8th