I listened to the book only during long training days on the bike, and usually I dont listen to music or books for more than an hour - but this time, I ate it all raw and devoured all of the stories within a week or so.

Some parts and stories, I even paused my training for and replayed them. The stories got me jiggling through rainy and windy rides and I fumbled with a puncture for more than long enough because I was so absorbed by the crazy story about training on a main road and using the passing cars as a only source of light 😂.

Thanks a lot for making me feel less crazy, the incredible information and plenty of laughs.

I’m a medical doctor who dabbles in coaching and an athlete of mine has just completed her first euro race season (from Australia). Needless to say, the learning curve was steep and we were both unprepared of what was to come.

Enter, Jack Burke - the collector of elite level cycling experience and information. I’ve read a bunch of medical, physiology, training methodology and principles‘ type of textbooks over the years, however, there are experiences I just haven’t had.

The content Jack has put together closes the gap between myself and the athlete. I highly recommend the content Jack has provided to anyone interested in learning about what it takes to perform at the highest level in cycling. 

I’m not a pro cyclist, but as a master amateur here are my thoughts.

Jack Burke's How to Become a Pro Cyclist has proven to be an enlightening and inspiring read that offers a rare glimpse into the life of a professional cyclist—something many of us know little about.

The book details the often unseen and unknown aspects of professional cycling. Burke’s in-depth exploration of the daily routines, rigorous training regimens, and the sheer mental and physical stamina required to excel in this sport is eye-opening. It shatters any romanticized notions and lays bare the reality of what it truly takes to make it to the top.

This insider perspective is both fascinating and motivating, providing a realistic picture that can fuel your passion as well as help you appreciate the efforts of professional athletes even more.

I know I will never become a professional cyclist, but I’m convinced that this book would be impactful for the 15-year-old me. Back then, cycling was a dream fueled by enthusiasm but lacking direction and much needed support.

Burke’s book would have been an invaluable guide, offering practical tips, boosting moral and giving hope on those hard moments.

Today, as a 44-year-old mom with a full-time job, balancing family, work, and some mtb races on the master’s category is sometimes a daunting task. How to Become a Pro Cyclist still holds significant value, because through his stories, I found lots of practical bits of advice that can be used by anyone to improve their training sessions and performance. 

In conclusion the advice on maintaining motivation, overcoming obstacles and balancing various aspects of life while pursuing a passion are universally applicable and empowering.

This book is not just about becoming a professional cyclist; it’s about maximizing potential and finding joy in the pursuit, no matter your age or life circumstances.

Thank you so much for being so transparent and for sharing years of lessons learned.

Tatiana

This book is so amazing.

I just started cycling 3 years ago at the age of 31 and will never make it. But all the stories can be taken over or projected to the real world.

Such an inspiration and everyone can take this book for life lessons. Thx Jack and cheers

It's very simple - if you love cycling, buy this book!

As a huge fan of professional cycling, this is just such an amazing (and rare) insight into what it takes to try and make the top of cycling.

At times hilarious, at times very poignant, but always interesting. Reading this book meant I learnt so much about cycling about the continental level, which is absolutely fascinating.

Jack is a great storyteller, and the stories about his experience of illicit night-time skiing and experimenting with extreme sauna heat adaptation are just so gripping.

The podcasts with the likes of Alison Jackson and Sepp Kuss are also worth the purchase alone!"

Don't be fooled by the cheesy title (sorry Jack!), How to become a Pro cyclist is much more than a guide to the top of the sport of road cycling.

It features Jack's own stories in his rollercoaster ride racing his bike all over the world, and pursuing his dream. As well as insights from dozens of other experts and professional riders along the way.

It is refreshing to hear someone else who has tried all the crazy stuff and pushed so hard to try and make it to the World Tour. It really hits home the tragic nature of elite sport; there is much more to success than simply effort. Luck has a substantial impact on your chance of success.

The probability of getting paid to race your bike in the biggest races is incredibly low, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth a shot. Jack's own story illustrates that there is much to be gained from doing hard things, pushing your limits and giving life your best shot. And I'm sure you'll pick up a few tips and ideas to apply to your own training and racing along the way.

Thanks for all the insights and wild stories Jack. Keep making books, videos and podcasts, they are brilliant!"

This book is amazing for all cyclists. I am in no position to even consider becoming a pro cyclist, but the book is much more than that.

It's about overcoming adversity, always being your best self, and, as Jack so aptly puts it, enjoying the ride. Jack's anecdotes from his journey are entertaining and provide such a unique, intriguing look behind the scenes of pro cycling that you never hear.

I don't know what it's like to move to Europe to ride shoulder-to-shoulder against the best, but thanks to Jack's genuine and heartfelt stories of the ups and downs, I feel like I've done the journey twice over.

And the best part about the audio book - hearing the thick Canadian accent.

I love keep learning new things and optimize myself.  I think the best educational/informational content or podcasts are the ones where experts talk about super complicated things that you lie to yourself you understand, and then the host asks just the right questions to make you actually understand what you practically need to do. That's what this book is!

Your book really helped me feel better in this frustrating season. I raced in Italy for a club team, living in the worst conditions (maybe not a barn, but still not quite liveable)

not even racing as much as I was told, on a 10 year old bike, having to pay for all of that thus needing to be calm and still try to perform as you need the results.

Oh, and be sure on every pre race ride I ride up the hill I live on with a few kilos of rice in my pockets or some other groceries ;)

That’s chasing the dream I guess and it was nice to hear more people are going through much of the same. 

The book was amazing!

Yonatan

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.

"The book features both Jack's personal stories and also advice/interviews with experts which I really liked.

It's a nice mix of casual conversations and inspiring stories that you can relate to your own cycling journey.

In cycling rarely do people open up about their struggles and hardships, so learning more about what it really takes was definitely inspiring."

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... 

“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.”

- Head of Performance - Team Jayco Alula mens World Tour Team and retired world tour rider.

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. 

"A great book to read or listen to that will definitely give you a brutally honest perspective of the hard work and dedication required to try and make it to the highest level in arguably the most difficult sport as a foreigner.

The book is packed with tips and advice that Jack learned over the years but, you'll also find some pretty outrageous experiences that might make you think twice before trying yourself.

Nonetheless, very entertaining stories!"

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?

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!

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.

"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."

“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.