Rider Profile

Lea was born on 26th August 1970 in Hodthorpe, near Worksop, where he still lives today. Lea has been married to Lindsay for nine years, (they have been together for 17 years) and they have three children, Ross aged 12, Oliver 9, and Angel who's just 5.
We have all seen Lea in action and as his race results clearly show, he seems to be able to ride any bike, on any course, in any weather! To try to get a feel of what is going on under that cool exterior, Lea was asked about his favourite bike, course, rides etc.

Lea writes:

  "It's hard to remember the first race I went to watch as I was only about 1 year old, but it would have been to watch my dad (Bob Gourlay) race.

I have many favourite circuits - generally ones with lots of corners such as Donnington Park, Brands Hatch and Cadwell Park, but the one I've enjoyed the most must be Nevers, Magny-Cours in France. My favourite corners would be somewhere like Craner Curves at Donnington or Paddock Hill at Brands. My most disliked corner though would be Barn corner at Cadwell Park as I never seem to get it right.

My most satisfying race must be finishing 7th at a Supercup "British Championship" meeting at Donnington Park in 1999. My most memorable victory was also at Donnington where I rode a Summerfield Manx Norton for the very first time and beat such as the late great Colin Breeze, also on a Summerfield manx, as well as all the other top classic racers at the time.

My most memorable race was also at Donnington Park where I raced one of the worlds best ever - Barry Sheene - still a force to be reckoned with even in 2002. It was a shame my bike failed as it could have been interesting. (Editors comment - Lea was the race leader in both races.)
The bike I like riding most has got to be my own.  Why? .....because its 'MINE! "


Lea Gourlay
2004