TNN Talks: Joonas Henttala

17 September 2018

You might have known that TNN’s Joonas Henttala is from Porvoo, Finland, and that he loves technology, plays the guitar and was diagnosed with diabetes at age 10. But did you know that Tour of California is Joonas’s favorite race and that his father also has type 1 diabetes…and do you know how properly pronounce Joonas’s name?

Below, the TNN rider shares a few things you may not know in this edition of TNN Talks.

Favorite food when traveling:

I like to try the local cuisine wherever I go. But no particular favorite food, I just like to keep it fresh.

Favorite food from your home country:

It has to be Finnish rye bread.

Favorite musician/band:

I listen to all kinds of music, depending on the situation, but it’s hard to name one type of music or band.

Do you use a pen or pump?

I use a pen.

Anyone else in your family with diabetes?

My father has also type 1 diabetes.

Favorite movie:

“Pain & Gain” with Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson.

Last book you read:

Tuntematon Kimi Räikkönen (The Unknown Kimi Raikkonen), the biography of the legendary Finnish Formula One driver.

Worst way someone has mispronounced your name:

It turns out my name, Joonas (like Yoh-nas) is hard to pronounce properly, so my teammates just call me ”Jono”. I also get ”Joh-nas” and ”Hentalla” all the time.

Any re-race rituals?

I always make sure my shoes and sunglasses are clean.

Favorite cyclist growing up:

We had a strong cycling culture in my hometown where I grew up. As a kid, the strongest cyclist there always inspired me the most. Later on guys like Fabian Cancellara and Tom Boonen were a big influence.