Sampo Malinen: From Ice Rinks to Italian Roads — A Finnish Story of SISU 🇫🇮
Born in Lahti, Finland, Sampo Malinen represents a new generation of Finnish athletes — fearless, adaptable, and quietly relentless.
At just 27 years old (born 1999), Sampo’s journey has already spanned elite junior ice hockey, professional cycling contracts in Europe, a life-threatening crash in Italy, national championship podiums, World Gravel Championships, and unforgettable rides across Australia.
If there’s a word that threads it all together, it’s simple:
SISU.
From Ice Hockey to the Open Road
Sampo’s athletic career didn’t begin on two wheels — it began on skates.
He progressed through Finland’s junior ice hockey ranks and was part of the national team development pathway before heading to the United States to complete his junior career and begin college.
Then COVID hit.
He returned to Finland, signed a professional hockey contract, and navigated a chaotic season. To stay sharp, he started riding more — indoors and outdoors.
Then came a bike test.
The numbers didn’t lie. He had natural cycling talent.
The decision was made.
A few seasons in Finland turned into opportunities in Europe’s “bigger arenas.” The ice had become asphalt.
The Rider: Evolving With the Sport
In the beginning, Sampo wanted to be a pure climber. Light. Explosive. Sharp.
But cycling is evolving — and so did he.
Now he sees himself as more of an all-rounder, capable of performing in long stage races. Durable. Strategic. Adaptable.
His soundtrack reflects the range:
Easy rides: podcasts and audiobooks (Pelotonpod at the top of the list 😉)
Hard days: rock music and, lately, some Chinese rap
Coffee: before, during, after… and while writing about it
He’s an early bird — mornings are for training. Nights are for sleeping or enjoying time with friends.
The Crash That Changed Everything
In May 2024, Sampo’s season — and life — shifted dramatically.
A horrific crash in Italy left him in Siena hospital for three weeks, battling serious injuries including a brain injury.
The initial shock was heavy. But almost immediately, his mindset locked in:
If the brain allows me, I will come back.
Family and friends were everything. His father and partner travelled to Siena. Friends visited. That support became the foundation of recovery.
Once he could move, Sampo created his own rehabilitation ritual:
10,000 steps every day in the hospital corridor.
Back and forth along a 50-metre stretch.
That’s where the rebuild started.
Three months later, he was racing again.
As he left the hospital, his doctor told him — in charming Italian English:
“Sampo, be patient.”
He took that advice in both meanings of the word.
Results & Recognition
His comeback was not just symbolic — it was competitive.
2025 Highlights:
🥉 Finnish National Time Trial – 3rd
🇫🇮 Finnish Road Nationals – 9th
🇮🇹 Milano–Rapallo – 15th
🇷🇴 Sibiu Tour – Strong overall performance
🌍 Multiple UCI Gravel Top 20 finishes
🇫🇮 Representation at the World Gravel Championships
He signed with an Italian/Romanian continental team for 2025 — fulfilling his dream of being a professional cyclist. The team faced financial struggles and ultimately folded, leaving him without a contract for 2026, but the experience elevated him.
He proved he belongs.
Gravel, Forests & Finnish Magic
Being born in Lahti, Sampo proudly represented the inaugural FNLD GRVL as an ambassador.
In his words, the gravel roads around Lahti might be the best in the world — and he’s “not even biased.”
You can ride 200km flat on pristine gravel. Or 50km with 1,000m+ of climbing. Wide forest roads. Silence. Space. Nature.
Gravel in Finland isn’t just racing. It’s connection.
Australia & Global SISU
In 2024, Sampo travelled to Australia to race RADL GRVL in McLaren Vale, Adelaide.
He calls it unforgettable.
The trip was partly born from FNLD GRVL connections — a beautiful example of how cycling builds bridges. Three weeks in Australia meant race days, exploring, hospitality, and memories that could fill a book.
From riding through Adelaide’s parklands at dusk on day one (after his delayed bike bag finally arrived), to seeing Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, beach walks and lunch at Watson’s Bay — it was a chapter he’ll never forget.
And yes — Finnish flags on the ride made it even more special.
The Mindset: Process Over Panic
Cycling has taught Sampo that it’s not one race or one result that defines you.
It’s the process.
The daily work.
The long-term belief.
He blends science with feel in training:
Know your numbers
Know your body better
Be honest with yourself
One mistake he made early?
Too much stress about numbers.
In racing, numbers invite you to the party — but racing is the party. And the riders remembered are the ones who show up fully alive.
2026: A Question Mark, A Belief
For 2026, Sampo is searching for a road team. He holds a wildcard spot for the Life Time Grand Prix in the USA, but finances make it difficult.
He has posted his best winter numbers ever.
And yet — nothing is guaranteed.
He remains patient.
He keeps working. Turning every stone. On and off the bike.
If cycling doesn’t open the right door? Maybe he jumps into water. Maybe he runs.
But for now, he’s staying ready.
Finnish SISU, Global Impact
As a Finn, Sampo takes pride in seeing the uniquely Finnish concept of SISU travel the world through SISU Racing.
He proudly carries a SISU Racing sticker on all his bikes.
“We all have some SISU in us,” he says.
“The exciting part is to figure it out.”
Finish This Sentence
“SISU Racing is…”
Sampo doesn’t hesitate.
A great community.
From Lahti’s forests to Siena’s hospital corridors, from Olympic track inspiration to Italian pelotons, from Australian gravel to uncertain contracts — Sampo Malinen embodies modern SISU.
Not loud.
Not dramatic.
Just relentless belief.
And patient strength.