Mihkel Osula: motorcycle racing, fitness and determination
Mihkel Osula is an Estonian motorcycle racer whose fitness is built both on and off the track. His story shows just how much consistency, weight, gym training and the people cheering him on from the sidelines on track days can matter.
If all you see is the helmet, the bike and the speed, you are missing half the picture. In motorcycle racing, your body has to withstand sustained exertion, your head has to stay clear and every kilo can make a difference on the track.
Mihkel Osula and his path into motorcycle racing
Name: Mihkel Osula. Age: 23. Height: 194 cm. Weight: 85 kg. Those are the bare statistics, but behind them is an athlete who has been involved with motorcycles since he was a little boy.
It began naturally. As soon as he could walk, he became interested in bikes. Over the years, he moved on to more powerful, more serious machines. He began competing in 2008, when he was first taken to a training session on a racing circuit.
His first sessions showed good pace and room to improve. From there, the decision was fairly clear: if the potential was there, it was worth testing in a race. The simple truth is that interest alone is not enough; on the track, it has to be backed up by hard work.
He considers winning the overall season standings in the B600 class his greatest achievement. Being the only Estonian on the starting grid made it all the more special. His rivals were mainly riders from Finland, Latvia and Lithuania. A win like that does not happen by chance.
Mihkel Osula’s training and fitness
Motorcycle training is no quick burst of activity. He says sessions generally last 5-6 hours, with around 2 hours of active riding. That means your body has to cope with an entire long day of training, as well as the fast laps themselves.
Alongside motorcycle racing, he trains at the gym 3-5 times a week and cycles. He previously played football for FC Flora and has also boxed. That background provides a well-rounded physical foundation: legs, core, arms, reactions and endurance all work together.
His gym training changes with the season. In winter, the focus is on strength. As the racing season approaches, training shifts more towards aerobic work and muscular endurance. That makes sense for a motorcycle racer. Being strong enough for a single lift is not all it takes to win on the track. You need strength that lasts to the finish.
Cycling is currently one of his main training tools, because the legs play a major role in motorcycle racing. He aims to fit in at least two 40-50 km rides a week alongside his other training. In Estonia’s spring and autumn weather, that sometimes means cold winds, wet roads and a real test of character.
What to focus on when staying fit for motorcycle racing
Weight plays an important role in motorcycle racing. Mihkel is upfront about following a stricter diet before the season starts. That means cutting out snacking and junk food. He focuses on the calorie content of his meals to create a deficit and start losing weight.
He says the difference between his racing-season and off-season weight can sometimes be as much as 15 kg. That is a substantial change and calls for a plan, rather than haphazardly starving yourself. If your goal is to be lighter and sharper on the track, you also need to maintain your capacity to perform.
He names pasta dishes as his favorite food. That may not sound like the usual talk of strict athletic diets, but it is a reminder of the human side. Food does not have to be a punishment. What matters is quantity, timing and whether your overall diet supports your goal.
When it comes to supplements, he mentions options that provide energy and support recovery. His daily supplements have included BCAA and Olymp Carbonox, which help maintain energy reserves during motorcycle training and other workouts. That does not mean a supplement does the work for you. Food, sleep and consistent training still provide the foundation.
When talking about motivation, he highlights results and continual improvement. His supporters are just as important: friends and acquaintances who come to cheer him on at race rounds. Frankly, that matters more in sport than it might seem from the outside. On a tough day, knowing someone is there with you at the track helps.
Mihkel Osula’s advice for getting into better shape
His first point is simple: results come from focused, sustainable effort. If you get yourself together for three or four weeks, train hard and eat well, but then return to your old lifestyle, the kilos you lost will soon come back too.
His second piece of advice is to listen to people who know more. Mihkel has turned to others, including Karl Saar, for his nutrition and training plans. A well-considered approach gets you to your goal faster than trial and error, particularly when you need to get weight, endurance and strength right at the same time.
His third recommendation sounds tough, but it works: look for solutions, not excuses. No athlete at the top got there by making excuses. That does not mean life is always easy. It means that whenever you face an obstacle, you need to ask yourself: what can I actually do today?
When it comes to unwinding, Mihkel says motorcycle racing itself helps him relax. While riding, his mind is clear of other thoughts and he has one aim: to give his best in that moment. Valentino Rossi has been his role model since childhood.
You can follow him on Instagram as mihkelosula and on Facebook as Mihkel Osula.
Mihkel Osula FAQ
What is Mihkel Osula’s greatest achievement?
He considers winning the overall season standings in the B600 class his greatest achievement, having been the only Estonian on the starting grid.
How does Mihkel Osula get into shape for the season?
He combines motorcycle training, gym workouts and cycling. As the season approaches, the focus shifts more towards endurance and body weight management.
What is his main advice for beginners?
Do not base your fitness efforts solely on a brief burst of motivation. Make a plan, stick to it and ask for advice from people who know how to help.
Author:Turg.Fitness.ee
Source: WHO – physical activity.
Come and train! ArtGym
