In a remarkable achievement, Canadian amateur cyclist Jack Burke has shattered the long-standing King of the Mountain (KOM) record on the legendary Mortirolo climb, previously held by Italian cycling icon Vincenzo Nibali. This significant feat has garnered attention from professional teams and media alike, bringing Burke closer to his aspiration of becoming a top-tier cyclist.
On November 16, 2024, Burke ascended the Mortirolo, a challenging 11.85 km climb with an average gradient of 10.8%, in an impressive time of 43 minutes and 45 seconds. This performance eclipsed Nibali's record of 44 minutes and 52 seconds, set during the 2019 Giro d'Italia. The achievement, logged on Strava, marks a pivotal moment in Burke's cycling career, showcasing his potential to compete at higher levels.
At 29 years old, Burke has already made a name for himself in the cycling community. He has competed with various continental teams and represented Canada in junior and under-23 world championships. Despite previous successes, including a stage win at the Tour de Beauce in 2017, Burke has yet to secure a contract with a top-tier team.
In addition to his cycling endeavors, Burke authored a book titled 'How to Become a Professional Cyclist,' reflecting his commitment to the sport. With his recent record-breaking performance, he hopes to attract the attention of scouts and secure a place among the elite in professional cycling.