Chris Ganley: The inspirational amputee racer who’s got his sights set on racing the Mountain Course

Published: 06 October 2023

Oliver’s Mount is mainland Britain’s only road racing course and it’s notoriously tough. Just over 2.4 miles of tight, twisty and technical tarmac that requires riders to have skill, bravery and tenacity in equal measure. Racer Chris Ganley has all those qualities and more besides.

Two weeks ago, Chris took on Oliver’s challenging undulations at the Gold Cup meeting aboard his Suzuki SV650 minitwin alongside a grid full of brave and talented road racers, the only difference being that Chris only has one arm.

Army veteran Chris had his left arm amputated following a bike accident in 2014, but since that day he’s achieved great things, not only becoming a prolific racer and, as far as he’s aware, the first disabled rider to race in the British Championship paddock, but also helping other amputees get back in the saddle. And, impressively, his racing career didn’t start until after he’d lost the arm.

By Emma Franklin

Editor - Resident two-stroke nut and fully trained journalist, Emma’s passion for motorcycling has seen her work across many of the UK’s best-loved motorcycling titles over the past 19 years, before becoming Deputy Editor on the world’s number one biking weekly in 2020 and then Editor in 2024. A consumer journalist at heart, she’s dedicated to cutting through marketing waffle and putting manufacturers’ claims to the test in order to get to the truth. Passionate about all levels of road racing, and a former club racer herself, she’s still very much a paddock regular through her support of partner, Bruce Dunn’s racing exploits – so if you see her at a circuit, feel free to say hello.