This book offers foundational advice for anyone pursuing a dream as a career. Certainly, any cyclist will be inspired by the story. Definitely a must read for any young cyclist whose goal is to race professionally. 

The book will provide a realistic look at what it will take to have a chance to succeed, from not only the cycling, but also teamwork/networking required perspective.

 I’m a 60 year old father, husband, physician and lifelong cyclist who races bikes. I am continually looking to improve my cycling, my relationships, my work and thinking of what’s next. Jack’s book reinvigorates me in my lifelong pursuit of successes! The story will help anyone who is beginning any career realize that the hard work involved is part of the process, and will pay off. Maybe not exactly the way they think at the beginning, but ultimately wherever they land/have landed reflects the work put in. Jack’s book will also re-inspire someone is asking themself questions of whether to continue in their career, or provide the courage to branch off onto a new path!

I have a personal saying “Successes lie along a path paved on consistency, by grit.”

Thank you, Jack for this wonderful work It is perfect.

First of all I need to say that the title of the book threw me off a little bit. I don’t really know what I was expecting but I did expect something totally different to what I then read.

I did not expect to be able to relate, I did unfortunately expect to probably be bored about all the numbers and the “this is how much you need to train” explanations.

I didn’t think I would be able to relate since I am from Europe, I am a female and I am a pro. BUT!! Oh was I wrong...

For me this is not a handbook on how to become a pro. It’s more of the story about young people trying to figure out their way in a world that looks nothing like the real world (the world of cycling) but still very much needing to be a part of the real world at the same time with the struggles of finding accommodation and surviving financially and physically. Every lesson that is learnt from it and an explanation to how to survive living in both worlds at the same time.

I am on my fifth year in the elite peloton. I am also on my fifth year of trying to figure out how to become better physically, stronger mentally, overcoming obstacles, learning to fight in uncomfortable situation, realizing what I need when I am not in my safe space at home and my fifth year of trying to be better. And even if this book is about you trying to make it in the male peloton, you are from north America and the way that you had to go is different, I did realize that the obstacles are very similar.

I did relate to “coming to team camp after a long winter at home” situations that you explained. I am privilege enough to be able to go to enough camps every winter and to live in a part of Sweden where you can usually ride the road bike for most part of the winter. But coming to training camp after a few weeks without seeing the sun or a couple of endurance rides on Zwift is still incredible.

I have always been afraid to talk to non-Europeans about how they have made Europe-life work and how I have been struggling to make “Belgium/Netherlands-life” work for me. I have felt like it does not even compare since I “only” stayed for weeks or mabye maximum 2 months at a time and if I really needed to go home I could. Like when covid hit... But reading your book made me realize that I should have... because even if I am closer to home and am away for shorter periods of time the struggles AND solutions are the same as for non-Europeans (it seems). And learning how to deal with being uncomfortable with something you are not familiar with and to know what you need wherever you go INSTEAD of just trying to survive until I get to go home has changed a lot for me.

I loved all your crazy anecdotes about your training in all conditions. But the best part of the hole book is how you explained that training in all conditions and training really hard is not the hardest part about this sport because this is actually doing something you love just in a condition that you may not like. The hardest part is doing small things when we are really uncomfortable and way out of our comfort zones... 

How to become a pro cyclist it is a very inspiring book. I wish I had read it 10 or 12 years ago, when I wasn't in Europe and my dream was to be a professional.

You learn that to achieve the goal you have to be very dedicated, and not give up, so I think it is not only useful for cycling, but also for other areas of life.

I definitely recommend it!

Jack seems to have tried it all, and through this book he brings you along his journey.

Reaching out to and learning from so many other athletes, Jack is sitting on more knowledge than most of the guys in the world tour.

This book is a nice mix of stories and tips, especially if your coming to Europe from overseas. After reading there is also plenty of podcasts to dive into, with a mix of riders so big you'll for sure find someone you enjoy listening to!

"many of you have asked me which books about cycling you should buy. Some books I read are very technical and some biographies are very captivating, but this one l just read is the perfect mix of those 2, with a little bit of training madness in ciclismo kompetente’s perfect style.

Great insights for anybody who wants to make it, many lessons to learn from and tips to preciously take home."

“Completely humbling and utterly inspiring.

An inside look at an amazing and unique journey through the upper echelons of road cycling in Europe.

Come for the candid and detailed advice that will level up your training, stay for the hilarious stories and anecdotes that put it all in perspective.”

Just finished up the audiobook after buying it a few months back. The book was so good!

Thanks for sharing some pretty heartbreaking stuff but also normalizing the euro experience.

I found myself going back over a few ideas and taking notes about injury prevention, crazy training plans and places to check out.

I'm not even racing anymore and just riding the bike because I love it but listening to the book stoked the flame and got me dreaming up some big days with training to boot. 

Reading Jack's book made me look at myself in the mirror. To get all the access to so much knowledge from the gains to the mistakes at such a low cost is really a gift.

This book will definitely make you ask yourself, are you training hard enough?

This book contains so much knowledge about cycling, training, and life in general.

The book contains so many interesting stories and experiences. It is impossible to read this book without getting motivated to chase your dreams and work harder to achieve them.

“This book makes you feel so many emotions, it’s raw, intense, inspiring, and so much more. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to make it over in Europe, than this is the book for you”

"As I read this book. It turns out I first met Jack, unofficially, during one of his training rides. At night. With no lights. In the mid of winter, riding down the middle of the Sea to Sky Highway on his way back from hill repeats on Cypress Mountain Highway.

I had no idea what his story was. The history. The passion, dedication and hard work. The devastation and heartbreak. His will to continue and persevere. 

This book is not just for an aspiring cyclist looking for the in's and out's on how to turn pro. This book provides an insight for anyone looking to succeed. This book is about determination. This book is about believing. This book is about hard work. 

As a hobby cyclist I do enjoy the stories. The triumphs and tribulations. The podcasts with past and present pro's. This book dives into the nitty gritty behind the scenes info no one wants to tell you. Jack does. Jack wants you to succeed. Jack may have not made the top step in pro cycling, yet. But he also isn't giving up. Follow your dreams."

"The enthusiasm and positivity are infectious! Even if you have no intention of becoming a pro cyclist, the adventure, journey and stories in this book are worth the read (or listen)!"

"Wanting to pursue professional cycling as a career is extremely challenging as we all know. However, Jack provides an excellent road map.

This book features an incredible amount of helpful anecdotes of not only his experiences in the sport but also many other athletes.

This book's biggest strength is all of the small but extremely important details you can't find online.

I loved how the ebook comes with an audiobook as well. I got through the book primarily by listening to the audiobook on my endurance rides.

If you're also chasing professional cycling, I can't recommend this book enough! "

“Loved the book, super inspirational and helped me pull myself out of a bit of a hole in my own cycling endeavours” 

"offers readers a captivating glimpse into the journey from the junior category to the world tour.

The book not only shares personal stories but also provides valuable insights and tips from both him and other pros, creating a compelling exploration of the shared pursuit of reaching the world tour."

"Although I, as a middle-aged amateur athlete, am not part of the core target group, the book really inspired me. The stories are very lively and authentic. Thanks to your openness, I can identify better with the aspiring athletes.

Your work is both entertaining and very educational. I would like to thank you for the deep insights.

I even briefly considered trying out cross-country skiing. But in my free time I will continue to dedicate myself entirely to cycling and reading good books."

"Becoming a professional athlete has always been a sort of pipe dream for me.

I'm now working as a civil engineer. On a good week, I'm able to get about 15 hours of riding in. It wasn't until age 22 that I began to race. Though I have made giant leaps in my development, I'm still nowhere near professional level.

My goal in cycling is to become a Category 1 rider here in the US.

I really enjoyed this book. I find it inspiring to read or listen to others go after a dream of theirs, especially if it's one that's been on my mind as well. My place in the sport may never be in the pro ranks, but that doesn't mean I can't continue working hard and giving it my all. This book really opened my eyes to the extent that one needs to go to become a professional. It seems like every week there's an article about some 18 year old kid signing a world tour contract. That's great, however, that would make for a boring book. I respect the hell out of you for continuing to go at it after all the struggles you've had. Cycling to me is a sport for dreamers.

Thanks to this book, I now know what it takes to get to the very top."

I really enjoyed How To Become a Pro Cyclist. As someone who came up through NCCH after Jack, and currently works at WOP where he used to sneak onto the ski trails I loved hearing stories about people and locations I know well.

A lot of his stories are relatable to anyone who trains in endurance sports and is trying any way they can and whether you are chasing the dream of becoming a pro cyclist or not, there are a lot of lessons he talks about that are universal. Whether you are looking for something to keep you occupied whilst on the trainer or out on a big day and want something to listen to, or you are looking to pursuit cycling as a career you will get your moneys worth. 

I really loved listening to this book.

It captures the journey of chasing a dream with unwavering dedication, hard work and sacrifice.

Jack's work ethic is truly inspiring to hear and all the crazy ideas he tried over the years. But under the crazy stories lies valuable lessons for aspiring cyclists. Through Jack's experience, ideas and mistakes you gain a lot of knowledge about what to do or don't when trying to turn pro.

The book offers a lot of stories and deep insight into the professional cycling world and with Jack's gift for storytelling it gives you a lot of good hours of listening.

I highly recommend it.

I really enjoyed the book. It was a perfect mixture of useful information, story telling and also entertaining.

Would 100% recommend even for a non cyclist.