After the Mortirolo and the Stelvio, a runner took the KOM (King of the Mountain) – record for the fastest climb recorded on the application Strava – from Alpe d'Huez! But who is this record hunter, who competes with the best climbers in the world? It is about Jack Burkea 29-year-old Canadian cyclist. Although he is still an amateur, Burke is not a complete stranger. He has previously raced at Continental level (3rd division) for teams in North America, Luxembourg and Austria. Additionally, he has a podcast called “How to become a professional cyclist?”where he invites renowned runners.
Video – Sepp Kuss… the previous holder of the Alpe d'Huez KOM
An incredible story and an ultimate goal
In 2022, while he was still professional (within Team Felbermayr – Simplon Wels), Burke suffered a serious accident. “Two years ago I was hit by a car and it ended my career. I was devastated by the feeling that I had never lived up to my potential as an athlete.”he said.
But, through resilience, the Canadian went back to work and reached an extraordinary level… until breaking the ascent records of the most legendary passes like the Mortirolo, the Stelvio or more recently the Alpe d' Boo. Burke completed the legendary pass with 21 turns in 35'56″, or 9 seconds faster than Sepp kissprevious holder of the KOM. “You can't imagine how good it feels to feel like the old Jack again and to know that maybe I can still do it”he added, he who now aims to find a professional contract.. “I did everything I could this year. I won every race I took part in, breaking the speed record in three of them. I also broke the record on Stelvio, Mortirolo, Alpe d'Huez… I don't know what more I can do… I just want a chance to fight with the best riders in the world. world.”
