ANTTI- JUSSI JUNTUNEN
The Finnish champion who is cutting his teeth in Estonia
What do I need to know?
Antti-Jussi is 21 and is from Korso, Finland, near Helsinki. He rode last year for Estonian Conti team Tartu 2024-Balticchaincycling.com, which is now called Ampler Development.
What kind of rider is he?
The young Finn describes himself as a puncheur: “I’m not really a climber or a sprinter, I’m somewhere in between. I think races like Liège would suit me. I like those short climbs of about 3km, especially when they’re steep. The harder, the worse the weather it is, the better.” A classic hardy Finn, then.
Why is he at an Estonian team?
Antti-Jussi was at a French development team as a junior, but ended up in an Estonian team at U23 level because he went to school there, across the Baltic, and so can speak the language. He tells Procycling: “Last year there were two of my classmates riding on the same team, but they have moved on now. I knew the team manager as well.”
Has he had any good results?
A few good placings, but the highlight so far is his win in the 2020 Finnish nationals.“It was one of my goals for my whole career. It’s a proud moment every time I wear the jersey.”
How did he get into cycling?
Through his brother and father. “My brother was also a cyclist, and my father was involved with the local cycling club, which was more mountain biking. I rode on mountain bikes as my first discipline.”
What’s his dream in cycling?
Antti-Jussi says: “My dream would be to race for a WorldTour team, ride the Tour and all of those classics. Last winter I improved a lot of my level, and I feel that I have improved a lot.”
Anything else I should know?
Interestingly, Antti-Jussi is just completing his six-month national service duty with the Finnish army. He tells Procycling that it’s a bit easier for him as an athlete, as he gets to train when he’s not on forest camps. There have also been advantages: “I think it has given me a lot of mental strength,” he says. “You have to concentrate all the time. I’m not sure it has helped me physically, but it has helped me mentally.”