Jonathan Rea is a local legend, both in Northern Ireland and here in BLK BOX. He has made a name for himself and Northern Ireland in the world of sport as he is the first person ever to win 5 back to back World Superbike Titles, since the championship began in 1988. If this isn’t impressive enough, he has also set records for highest race wins, points (for both overall and in a single season), podiums and fastest laps.
Racing has always been in Jonathan's family. His father, Johnny was an Irish Road Racing Champion and Isle of Man TT winner, his grandfather sponsored NI racing legend, Joey Dunlop, who went on to win 5 Formula 1 World Championships, and his great grandfather lived on the famous Ulster Grand Prix Clady Circuit.
Jonathan followed in the family footsteps and began his two-wheeled education early, winning the British 60cc Motocross Championship in 1997 at the age of 11. Hitting the tarmac in 2003, he raced his way successfully through Supersport and then made records in the prestigious British Superbike Class by becoming the youngest rider ever to secure a pole position.
(Image from Jonathan Rea Twitter/GeeBee Images)
Entering the world stage of Superbikes in 2008 saw him finish as World Supersport runner up. His racing career has gone from strength to strength, achieving success in every class he has competed in, while finding the time to get married and start a family.
Many may not realise the extent that physical fitness plays in Superbike racing. Physical strength and a strong core, back, legs and shoulders are required to control the bike itself - not an easy task when reaching speeds of up to 200mph on a bike weighing 168kg. Mobility is required for balance and to be able to manoeuvre the bike, and on top of that, physical endurance is also crucial to be able to engage large muscle groups for the full length of a race.
We are delighted to have helped Jonathan kit out his home gym, which came in very handy for keeping race-ready during lockdown. Jonathan chose some of BLK BOX classics including the Goliath Wall Mounted Rig, Soft Plyo, D-Ball, Belfast Bar, Gym Rings, Battle Ropes and BLK BOX Hex Dumbbells.
Competing to make history again this year, Jonathan is currently sitting at the top of leaderboard for this year’s World Superbike Championship. The eighth and final round is due to be raced on 16th- 18th October at the Circuito Estoril in Portugal, and the BLK BOX team wish him the best of luck.
To keep up to date and view all results from the 2020 World Superbike Championships, click here.
