Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team proudly announces the signing of Australian cyclist James Whelan to its 2024 roster.
The 27-year-old returns to the professional ranks after spending a couple of seasons at the Continental level, becoming the sixth new rider to join our Swiss-registered team for the upcoming season.
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Whelan is an accomplished climber who has excelled in classics and stage races, coming close to winning the Australian National Road Champion title in 2022.
"I'm incredibly excited and grateful, both personally and professionally, to have my cycling career back on track with Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team.
The past few years were challenging, but I've demonstrated my ability to compete at the highest level. Doug Ryder and the team believe I'm a great fit, and I'm eager to showcase my climbing skills in top-tier races against the world's best riders," said Whelan.
The contract with Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is the result of Whelan's unwavering self-belief and work ethic.
Despite the odds stacked against him, the Australian fought to stay in the sport and returned to winning ways this summer, with a significant solo victory at the Volta a Portugal. He now aims to carry that momentum forward in Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team colors, at the best races on the UCI Calendar.
"Joining Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team in 2024 presents a fantastic opportunity, and I can't wait to contribute to the team's success.
On and off the bike, I aim to set an example of motivation, gratitude, and the resilience required for professional athletes. In the past two seasons, despite my time away from the pro ranks, I've proven my world-class climbing and one-day racing abilities. With a full 2024 racing calendar, I'm looking forward to further development and pursuing results with the team. I'm deeply thankful to Doug Ryder for recognising my potential and granting me this incredible opportunity, and I'm excited to repay the trust he and the team have placed in me.”
Whelan first captured the cycling world's attention with his incredible victory at the U23 Ronde van Vlaanderen in 2018, while racing for Drapac EF Cycling.
Following this breakthrough achievement, the talented Australian turned professional with Team EF Education First, where he spent three years racing at the WorldTour, making his Grand Tour debut in 2020 at the Giro D'Italia.
Injuries and mishaps disrupted his path to securing a contract, and Whelan was forced to step down to the Continental level in 2022, despite finishing as a runner-up in the Australian National Championships Road Race and winning the GC at the Santos Festival of Cycling.
That year, he eventually signed with the Australian outfit Team Bridgelane, but a mid-season accident disrupted his comeback, leaving him once again on the hunt for a contract for 2023.
Portuguese continental team Glassdrive Q8 Anicolor gave Whelan a lifeline to stay in the sport, and he made the most of limited racing opportunities, securing a brilliant solo victory on Stage 9 of Volta a Portugal, where he finished 8th in the General Classification. Throughout the year, Whelan delivered multiple top-10 results, underscoring his consistency and potential.
"We are thrilled to welcome James Whelan to our 2024 roster. With his relentless drive that has seen him overcome numerous career hurdles, he embodies the kind of resilience and determination that piqued our interest from the start. We firmly believe that James, with his climbing expertise, will be a valuable addition to our team, bolstering our climbing unit and playing a pivotal role in supporting our general classification riders while also pursuing personal successes. We're excited to embark on this journey together," said Doug Ryder, General Manager at Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team.
With his talent, versatility and unwavering commitment, James Whelan represents a valuable addition to our multicultural and diverse Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team as we embark on our second season with renewed ambitions.