From US Postal Team to Head of Product - Meet Jamie Burrow
We have to admit, we were a little excited to learn that Geraint Thomas started his cycling career on a Ribble road bike. We've had a few champs ride a Ribble during the fledging stages of their professional cycling careers, Chris Boardman, Bradley Wiggins, Geraint Thomas to name but a few. However, what we didn't know is that our very own ex-US Postal Team Pro turned Head of Product Jamie Burrow also started his journey on a Ribble. From family hand-me-downs to pro-team handouts, we sit down with Jamie to find out a bit more about his cycling history. He's a man with a million stories to tell, but Jamie tells us we'll have to wait for the book on that one!!
How old were you when you first got into Cycling?
I had ridden all my life, with club social cycling. But it really started at age 12 when I started time trialling. This was the youngest age allowed to compete on open roads.
What caused you to get started?
I come from a cycling family. Both parents were British champions and British record holders. I grew up around races every weekend, holidays to the Tour de France and youth hostelling with the cycling club when mum and dad weren’t racing. As soon as I was old enough to compete, I jumped at it.
What was your first road bike?
Coming from a cycling family, my dad would build me bikes from recycled hand me downs. My first racing bike was a condor, then my first modern bike was a neon pink Ribble, Columbus SL handed down from my dad when I finally started growing! I've still got her today!
My first proper road bike - A Ribble Columbus SL
Who were your childhood heroes?
The 'badger' Bernard Hinault.
Jamie's childhood hero - Bernard Hinault
How were the early years?
As a skinny little kid (Half the size of my peers) I found it hard going in the first 2 years. Not many results and lots of getting lapped at London’s Eastway circuit. I tried all forms of cycling in the u16 category and started to get National wins around the age of 15 years old in Time trials, track and cyclocross. My road results actually took longer to emerge.
When did Cycling become a career?
I left the UK in 1996 at 19 to race full time as an amateur in France. This was followed up by 3 years of racing in Italy learning the ropes as a full-time bike rider in the “Dilletante category” (semi-pro). In 1999 I won the under 23 World cup and signed my first Pro contract with Lance Armstrong’s USPS Pro cycling team.
Riding alongside Lance Armstrong for the US Postal Service team
Favourite race / result
Favourite race: Unquestionably the Tour De France - the greatest show on earth. My best result was winning the U23 World cup. This included winning on the French climb of Plateau de Beille in the Ronde de L’isard stage race. In the process, beating Marco Pantani’s record for the climb set in the previous years TDF!
Who were your racing rivals?
Growing up I had some great battles with Cadel Evans, Ivan Basso and Frank Schleck
Any regrets?
Too many to write here, so you will have to wait for my book ;)
What now?
Using years of bike passion and knowledge to develop World class products in the bike industry. Maybe have another dabble at CX racing on the local cyclocross circuit next season if time and old age allows it.
Read how one Ribble owner made his Aero 883 as light as the UCI will allow here
Joe Skipper rides his Ribble Ultra TRI to victory at UK Ironman - read more

Best Road Bikes for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Getting Started
New to road cycling and drowning in jargon? This guide cuts through the noise. We break down what actually matters on your first road bike, from comfort to gearing, and show you which options suit real UK riding. No hard sell. No tech waffle. Just straight-talking advice to help you choose a bike you will actually enjoy riding.

When To Service Your Bike? A Practical Guide for Every Rider
Looking after your bike doesn’t start and end with a clean after riding. Regular servicing keeps it working at its best, no matter how often you ride. The tricky part is knowing when a service is needed. Too early feels unnecessary. Too late and the problems have already crept in. This guide breaks it down simply so you can ride more and worry less.

Staying Motivated: Winter Wisdom From The Ribble Family
When winter kills your motivation, even the pros feel it. The difference is they’ve built strategies that keep them riding when willpower runs out. Here’s how they stay consistent, break through the slump, and keep the pedals turning through the toughest months.

10 weeks down and far from decided: here’s why to join now
Ten weeks in and building momentum. Join the Ribble Winter Racing Series now - your best 10 results count. Race hard, miss weeks, progress.

Podiums, Progress and Proper Riding
2025 was a year of real momentum at Ribble. From podium finishes across the global gravel scene to the launch of 22 new bikes, progress showed up where it matters most. Here are the moments and machines that defined our 2025.

Best Road Bikes 2026
A clear guide to choosing the right road bike for how you actually ride, cutting through the noise to explain what actually makes a road bike ‘the best’ in 2026.

Get Back To Cycling Training Plan
This 4-week plan is designed to increase your FTP with targeted threshold work, sweet spot training, VO₂ max intervals, and progressive endurance—building the adaptations needed to hold higher power for longer.

The Rise of Women’s Gravel Riding and What’s Coming in 2026
Gravel riding isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement. And women are at the heart of it. Here, we dig into why women’s gravel riding is booming, what the data tells us, and where the next wave of growth is heading.

Shimano 105 - The GOAT Groupset?
Shimano 105 is the groupset riders trust when they want pro-level performance without the pro-level price. With both mechanical and Di2 options now available, it might just be the GOAT. Here’s why.

SPORTFIT: Why Flatbar Bikes Might Be Right For Your
Flat bars just make riding feel easy again. No ego, no overthinking, just control, comfort, and a bike you actually want to use every day. If you want riding to feel simpler, more natural, and way more enjoyable, this is worth a read.

Clean: A Quick Wash Guide With Tom Couzens
Winter rides = filthy bikes. But it doesn’t need to be a chore. Ribble Ambassador Tom Couzens shares a quick 10-minute clean that keeps your bike running smooth and makes getting back out tomorrow a whole lot easier.

Commuting: Your Daily Training Opportunity
About 6.7% of British workers cycle to work and many turn these commutes into effective training sessions, combining fitness goals with daily travel.