His name is Lee ‘Hollywood’ Turner and, if Instagram is anything to go by, this guy has one of Australia’s most wide-ranging and enviable cycling kit collections out there. In fact, Lee now has more than 165 different cycling kits in his collection!
A proud Noosa Classic ambassador, we caught up with Lee as he was working from home on what he described as “a miserable, grey and dreary typical Melbourne day.”
Noosa Classic Ambassador Lee “Hollywood” Turner.
Noosa Classic Ambassador
Starting by asking about the ‘Hollywood’ moniker, Lee said for over 20 years he’s been fascinated by the history of cycling wear and taken his riding presentation seriously.
“A mate used to tease me saying ‘You’re Hollywood, all style and no substance’, the very down-to-earth Lee said with a laugh. “I just love cycling kit … the culture, the different styles – and it’s all part of the deep affinity I have with the sport.”
‘I simply really love my cycling,’
At 40 years – plus GST he says, making him 44 – Lee is former President of the respected Saint Kilda Cycling Club, a role he held for three years.
“That was my stint,” he said. “I had a great time there and the club is flying, it’s going very well. I continue to do a lot of commentating for the club and love it. I still race A-Grade but am just one of the bunch, a normal guy. I simply really love my cycling along with all the mateship and camaraderie that comes with it. It is still a lot of fun for me.”
Follow Lee On Instagram
With an Instagram following of more than 19,000, and regular posts featuring kit from all around the world, Lee seems to have an endless supply of jerseys.
“I just really like collecting kits,” he said. “I look for old kit, rare stuff, and search sites such as eBay. You find a lot of treasures on eBay – sometimes people don’t realise the value of what they are selling so it’s a win win,”
Favourite Cycling Kit?
And his favourite or most prized possession cycling kit wise?
“For years I was after the classic Mario Cipollini muscle skin suit – I eventually got that one. It’s one of about 165 to 170 kits I now have. The problem is storage – I’m running out of room,” he said with a laugh.
Mentioning the Melbourne weather several times during our call, and glancing outside at the blue Sunshine Coast sky, I asked Lee if he’d received his Noosa Classic jersey?
Escaping Melbourne For Noosa
“It arrived this week!” he enthusiastically replied. “I love the look of it but being short it’s way too cold to be wearing it here in Melbourne,” he said.
“It’s actually a really fresh kit. It’s got style, there are hints of Team Sky, a little bit Rapha, overall I’m very impressed – it really stands out so far as Gran Fondo kits go.”
“I’m really looking forward to Noosa,” Lee continued. “I’m working from home and today and have the heater cranked up to 26 degrees. I’m here in winter pyjama pants and a jumper – it’s grey outside – I just long for those blue sky days and the warmer weather Noosa is known for.”
Lee ‘Hollywood’ Turner – Five Quick Questions
What Do You Ride?
A Giant TCR. I’m a long time Giant rider – the company are very good to me and the bikes are absolutely second to none – they’re superb.
Favourite ride + how many kms do you ride each week?
“The Hell Ride is my favourite, I do it every Saturday and love it. I average around 400km per week – a little less in wintering more in summer.”
What do you love about the sport?
“The mateship, I have cycling friends from ages 15 to 70. It doesn’t matter if you’re alongside an unemployed student or a CEO … Everyone’s equal and that’s what I love about the sport.”
What are you most looking forward to at the Noosa Classic on August 26?
“Sunshine, warmth, and a beautiful course. It really does look good. Those sunny days and the warm weather in paradise.”
Your message to fellow Victorian riders in the lead up to the Noosa Classic?
“Wake up guys – it’s only a short plane ride away and you’re out of the doom and gloom and misery of Melbourne into the warmth, sunshine and riding a beautiful course. It will be a great weekend away and it’s something Ally my wife are both excited for it. Everyone loves to go to Noosa – it’s the place you can take your wife and kids – it really is a win win destination.”
