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
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