Video: Lee Gratton Winter XC Race Training

Lee Gratton is a midlands based rider riding for Trek Coventry in 2014.

Originally coming from a downhill background Lee raced in the British Downhill Series for a few years but never really broke top 10 in the senior category. He didn't have much luck and through the time I've known him he always had always had some sort of problem come race run with punctures and chains snapping which brought his races to an abrupt end. He has also overcome some massive crashes. In 2008 he hit a tree and had surgery on his knee and he also took a tumble breaking his wrist and collar bone late in the 2013 season.

Lee riding in Ft William during a Scotland road trip in 2009.

Lee racing at the Llangollen BDS in 2010.

Despite the setbacks Lee never stopped and in fact found a new love in Cross Country racing. Due to a crash in training last year he had to miss the last 3 races but was so far up on points he was still promoted into the elite category where he will be racing in 2014. This year he has gone all out, dropping his job to part time hours and getting out riding as much as possible and training for the season ahead. He is an absolute whippet up the hills and a monster on the downhills due to his previous background so expectations are high, but I've no doubt he can do really well.



Lee is always smiling, joking and such a pleasure to be around. Make sure to keep an eye out for him at the UK Cross Country races (you can't miss his socks.)


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