Arminas Jasikonis is a rider well-known to MXGP fans – whether for his early break at just 18 years old with Factory Suzuki, where he filled in for Ben Townley under the guidance of Stefan Everts, or for his rise with Factory Husqvarna, becoming the first Lithuanian rider to ever win an MXGP race. For many, however, his name is most strongly associated with the devastating 2020 crash that altered the direction of his racing career and forced him into an early retirement from professional racing.

We caught up with Arminas, and he spoke openly about his rollercoaster journey: his beginnings in Lithuanian motocross, the pressures and realities of factory-team life, and the mental and physical battles he has faced since his accident. He offered a fascinating and honest insight into recovering from a significant brain injury, the lasting effects it has on daily life, and the new coaching role he has now adopted since retirement.