'A team on the up' - Chris Harper signs for ambitious Q36.5

Q36.5 Pro Cycling continue to be one of the most active teams in the transfer market, announcing the signing of Chris Harper, joining the already confirmed arrivals of Fred Wright and Eddie Dunbar.

The 30-year-old Australian climber has signed for the Pro Continental team on a two-year deal and joins from Jayco AlUla, having spent three seasons with the Australian team.

“From the outside it’s clear this is a team on the up, with lots of ambition to perform at the World Tour level,” Harper said in a Q36.5 press statement released on Wednesday morning.

Throughout his career, Harper has served as a dependable climbing domestique, and in recent years has been granted opportunities of his own to race GC, such as when he finished 6th overall at the Volta a Catalunya in 2024. Harper has also finished 16th at the Tour de France in 2023, whilst in a support role for Simon Yates, who finished 4th, thus demonstrating his climbing skills.

"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," said Harper.

"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," he added.

Harper illustrated his capabilities in the biggest races by riding to victory on stage 20 of the Giro d’Italia in May, which featured the Colle delle Finestre, his first success on a grand tour and individual victory at WorldTour level. 

“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,” Harper said.

Q36.5 General manager Doug Ryder also gave his comments in the press release, illustrating his content with another experienced signing for the team, who he believes could be a valuable addition to the squad. Harper joins Eddie Dunbar and Fred Wright who have already been confirmed to sign

“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," said Ryder.

"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," Ryder added.