PRESS RELEASE

CHIMAY 17th / 18th JULY 2004

Chimay 2004 : Lap record smashed by ICGP rider.

     Lea Gourlay asserted his superiority yet again with a flamboyant win in the 350cc category with a lap record standing at 2.02. Within a week of the French races at Magny Cours, the ICGP caravan was heading for new adventures in the land of Trapist beer and conviviality (about the beer : stick to the red label kind - the blue can take a lot out of you… Dave Cooper can vouch for that!). In the jovial atmosphere that characterizes Belgian gatherings the participants traded opinions about the course, newly redesigned to include 4 chicanes, a requirement of the Belgian federation following a fatal accident. The 2 chicanes of last year’s circuit were inadequate as speed-inhibitors and the 350cc reached downhill speeds of 250 km/h. The Chimay course may be less perilous, but it remains challenging and innovative and continues to command the respect of public and riders alike.

The weekend highlights were without a doubt the 2 ICGP races, with their outstanding international line-up of British, Belgian, German and French riders, each determined to fight to the finish to secure a place on the podium. Lea Gourlay quickly established a convincing lead over Steve Boam. Seven seconds separated them at the finish. The battle for third place between Patrick Chavanne, Graham Read, Gilles Hampe on his 250, Arnold Fletcher and Tony Smith was merciless and the public was treated to a performance as thrilling as those of the great races of the past.

It was smiles all round when the ICGP competitors received their trophies –including the incomparable Chimay, as well as other rewards - from the hands the organisers, in the presence of Eric Saul, organiser of the ICGP series with its 30-plus ICGP riders. New to the course and only French presence at Chimay, Gilles Hampe was a credit to the series with his victory in the 250cc category, beating Tony Smith (GB) and Dave Gilbert (GB) into second and third places Lea Gourlay (GB) took first place in the 350cc, Steve Boam (GB) was second and Patrick Chavanne secured a hard-earned third place for ICGP.

The fifth round of the ICGP championship will take place on August 7 and 8, in BRNO, in the Czech Republic. Not to be missed!

Ranking CHIMAY :

1^st in 350 : Lea Gourlay                                                           1st in 250 : Gilles Hampe

2nd : Steve Boam                                                                      2nd : Tony Smith

3^rd : Patrick Chavanne                                                              3rd : Dave Gilbert

Download this press release.

Zip Pack Images

All documents are in Adobe Reader and Microsoft Word Document.