After working as a foreman in a helmet company in Germany, and always being involved in motocross, Jörg Pyka joined the Suzuki World MXGP Team in 2015 and is the suspension mechanic for the MXGP and MX2 team riders and their Factory RM-Z450WS and the RM-Z250 machinery. Here’s his story:

When I was younger, I participated in local races back at home. I got injured pretty badly a couple of times and had to take a step back. At this time, I got a call from my good friend Basti Paasch to help him out with wrenching. I did that for a few years next to my job and went for it full time in 2008.

I am now responsible for the KYB suspension of the RM-Z250 for all our MX2 riders and the Factory RM-Z450WS of Kevin Strijbos and Arminas Jasikonis. A totally different job from when I started out as Ben Townley’s mechanic: There’s a huge difference between having to deal with the wishes of one rider to six riders’ wishes now. They all have their own set-ups, riding style and skills. Of course, that just makes things more interesting for me.

Focusing on the same suspension parts every day is more challenging than you might think: You deal with many different settings and specs. Besides that, you keep testing things non-stop. Every race week I organise the parts, prepare everything for testing, execute the tests, prepare the gear for the race, keep things under control during the race and then finish the test reports on Monday.

Working with so many riders, I can’t pick a favorite within the team. It would be like choosing your favourite child. I like them all; even with the ups and downs at times! Their remarks after a race sometimes really complicate my job, but those are the kinds of challenges I like the most. When I find the time in between working on the motorcycles, I like to relax on my road bike. Spinning some kilometers on my bike helps keep the mind fresh. And of course, my family is always there for me when I need them. I think that’s very important, no matter what your job is.

Jörg’s 5 fun facts:

Most positive characteristic: I can handle stressful situations very well.
Most negative characteristic: I’m not the most pleasant person to deal with before 10 o’clock in the morning!
Favourite food: Pasta & solid German cooking.
Favourite music: Old school techno & punk rock.
Favourite race track: Teutschenthal (Germany) & Matterley Basin (England).