Pyry Juupaluoma seriously injured herself in the summer of 2020. This weekend, a 19-year-old Finnish driver will be seen at the opening of the World Enduro Series.
Pyry Juupaluoma is Fantic’s factory driver. Fantic D’Arpa Racing
- A serious injury still reminds us of its existence on a daily basis.
- Everything is on the back of the bike as before the accident, as long as the headache stays away.
- The goal of a Finn is to rise to the top of the enduro world.
– The goal is to win the world championship.
19 years old Pyry Juupaluoma not afraid of his plan.
The goal is tough. That’s what it’s like in competitive sports.
There are two things that make it difficult to grab a championship.
Rock hard competitors are easier than the challenges.
The second is a brain injury two years ago in a serious accident that continues to affect Juupalooma’s daily life.
Broken skull
When the helmet slips to the head, a skilled enduro cyclist hatches from Juupalooma. Fantic D’Arpa Racing
Juupaluoma can’t tell you exactly what happened on the unlucky day in July 2020.
It is known that the air flight that started from the jump in the training run went badly wrong. The departure was close.
The exercises in Jämsä were replaced by a convalescent bed at Tampere University Hospital.
– I don’t have any memories for a week after my accident, Juupaluoma says.
The doctors’ diagnosis was harsh. Broken skull and severe concussion. Juupaluoma was plunged into a coma. After that, there was a long period of rehabilitation ahead.
Considering that it takes less than two years from the accident, the recovery of Juupaloma is a straightforward miracle.
Even more astonishing is the fact that the return to the wheel of the enduro bike took place last year. Victory.
The enduro youth champion of the year 2021 was baked from Juupalooma.
Painful headache
Happy twists and turns should not be lulled to lie.
Juupaluoma suffered a brain injury that reminds him of his existence on a daily basis.
– No sense of smell. Admittedly, it doesn’t hurt to drive, the driver begins.
He then goes on to list a bunch of other symptoms.
– It’s a disadvantage that I can’t fall asleep without medication. I don’t feel tired. The headaches are also really painful at times.
The enduro shakes and rattles, but it is not the cause of the main pain in Juupaloma.
– The headache attack has struck unexpectedly while resting or driving. It doesn’t look at time or place.
From the beginning of the season, one race in Italy went into a big battle at the end, when a painful headache struck for the first time in the middle of the race.
– Driving the last stages didn’t want to become anything. I fought for the finish and maintenance, where I immediately grabbed the medication to feel better. I hope you don’t have to experience it again, Juupaluoma sighs.
Support forces will help
Enduro is a very physically challenging sport. Juupaluoma is in that element. Fantic D’Arpa Racing
The recovery has progressed, but according to Juupaluoma recently too slowly or not at all.
– I haven’t personally noticed a big change lately. The headache is still the worst. It still occurs as often as before.
Outside of sports, brain injury affects memory and concentration. It ended with dreams of completing both high school and vocational training.
Amazingly, when the headache stays away from the enduro bike, Juupaluoma still has the same curvature as before the accident.
– I have never had a problem with sports. At the race, I have people around me who will help me with things if I can’t remember or can’t concentrate, says Juupaluoma, who is preparing for the opening weekend of the season in Spain.
A dream at the top
To return to the back of the motorcycle and to the World Cup level so quickly after a serious accident, everyone is forced to lift their hats.
– That’s a great step forward. There has been a lot of development about what the situation was right after the accident. The feeling is good when driving.
Last year, Juupaluoma drove one race in the World Championships. Now begins the first of two full World Championship seasons at the junior level. Below is the factory equipment of the Italian Fantic.
The championship is in the fork. It doesn’t matter to the young man whether it will come this year or next. As long as it comes.
Titles would also taste on the adult side.
– The goal is to be able to drive enduro for as long as possible, Juupaluoma adds.