Welcome back to the pro ranks @JiimmyWhelan 😀 We’re delighted to announce we have signed 27-year-old Australian James Whelan for the 2024 season ✍️ Full story and statements: q36-5procycling.com/q36-5-pro-cycl… #RacingTheFuture
Q36.5 Pro Cycling signs Australian James Whelan: second chance after failure at EF Education
CyclingFriday, 20 October 2023 at 12:00
Cycling Market: The Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team has announced the signing of Australian cyclist James Whelan to its 2024 squad.
Whelan jumped onto the international cycling scene in 2018 when he surprised everyone by winning the U23 Ronde van Vlaanderen while racing for Drapac EF Cycling. That win caught the attention of cycling enthusiasts and led him to make the jump to EF Education First's WorldTour team, where he competed for three years.
In 2020, Whelan made his Grand Tour debut at the Giro d'Italia. However, despite his talent, injuries and setbacks plagued his career, leading to his demotion to the Continental level in 2022. Despite the obstacles, Whelan managed a runner-up finish at the Australian National Road Race Championships and a General Classification win at the Santos Festival of Cycling. But a mid-season crash left him seeking a contract for 2023.
Finally, the Portuguese continental team Glassdrive Q8 Anicolor gave him the opportunity to continue racing and prove his worth. Whelan made the most of the limited racing opportunities, excelling with a solo victory in Stage 9 of the Volta a Portugal and an eighth place in the General Classification. His consistency throughout the year made it clear that he still had much to offer the cycling world.
In an emotional statement, James Whelan expressed his gratitude and anticipation for joining the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team in 2024: “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.”
This contract with the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is a testament to Whelan's unwavering self-confidence and work ethic. In addition, the Australian cyclist expressed his commitment both on and off the bike: “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 recognizing my potential and granting me this incredible opportunity, and I’m excited to repay the trust he and the team have placed in me.”
James Whelan, with his talent, versatility and unwavering determination, represents a valuable addition to the multicultural and diverse Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. The team, which embarks on its second season with renewed ambitions, sees Whelan as a key part of its climbing unit and support for its general classification riders.
Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team General Manager Doug Ryder expressed his enthusiasm for Whelan's arrival to the team, “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."
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