Chris Harper will line up in new colours next season after agreeing a two-year deal with Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. The 30-year-old Australian climber arrives with Grand Tour pedigree and the ambition to keep building on a career that has steadily gathered momentum since his late start in the sport.
Harper was open about why he chose to join. “From the outside it’s clear this is a team on the up, with lots of ambition to perform at the World Tour level. I am a late starter to the sport and feel like every year I am still progressing so being on a team where I am surrounded by passionate riders and staff who aim to improve on every level, appealed to me. For example, returning to the HEXIS-platform founded by David Dunn who helped me a lot in my career, and to be supported by top nutritionists will help me progress as a rider every day.”
The Adelaide-born rider came into cycling relatively late, first racing at 17 after being introduced to the sport through a local bike shop. His climbing ability soon brought results in Asia, including victory on Mount Fuji at the 2019 Tour of Japan. His crowning moment so far came at this year’s Giro d’Italia, winning the brutal stage over the Colle delle Finestre.
Harper reflected on that day with pride: “I consider that victory my highlight because it had been a challenging few weeks. I had gone into the Giro feeling strong but fell ill and lost the belief. I remember saying that morning that the stage would be for the GC guys but went in the break nonetheless. Throughout the day I felt better. Finishing off a Grand Tour like that is amazing.”
Q36.5’s set-up appealed to Harper not only for racing opportunities but also for its innovative approach. The Australian will have a direct link with the Q36.5 product team to shape kit development. “It’s exciting to be able to work so closely with Q36.5, especially given the local conditions we ride in. We can speak directly to the brand, allowing us to be prepared for the most extreme weather. This helps us perform to our best but it also benefits the consumer who in the end gets the best product.”
General Manager Doug Ryder praised both the rider’s talent and mindset. “Chris is a rider who progressed through the ranks at a steady pace, still improving every year even if he is not 20 anymore. He is an intelligent guy who feels he can benefit from all the professional expertise we have on the team. He based his choice on joining us on that and I am happy he did. Chris is a rider who races aggressively, senses the stages and races he has a chance in and goes all in. His win in the Giro is testament to his racing style. He has a lot of Grand Tour experience and fits right into our plans for the future.”
For Q36.5, Harper’s arrival strengthens their climbing options while also adding a rider with proven Grand Tour finishing power. For Harper, it is the continuation of a late-blooming career still on an upward curve.
