Career
He was the fastest rider in the 500 cc class in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1999. Originally a motocross rider, Tiainen switched to enduro in 1989 and finished fourth in the European championship. The world championship was started the following year, and he took his first title with Suzuki in the 250 cc class.
Tiainen then moved to the biggest 500 cc class, winning the title with Husqvarna in 1992, 1994, 1995 and 1997, and with KTM in 2000.
From 1990 to 2000, even during the seasons that he finished runner-up, he led his class in the number of wins. The 2001 season, during which he finished third behind Anders Eriksson and Mika Ahola, was Tiainen"s last full season in the world championship.
After his racing career, Tiainen continued with KTM as the team principal from 2003 to 2005. In 2011, Tiainen became the team principal for Ice 1 Racing, Kimi Räikkönen"s team in the Motocross World Championship.
