Sam Bennett to team up with Eddie Dunbar after joining Q36.5 Pro Cycling

The Waterford man (born in Belgium) has 10 Grand Tour stage victories and has the rare distinction of being among the select group of riders to have won stages in all three Grand Tours

Sam Bennett will ride alongside fellow countryman Eddie Dunbar in 2026. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Swiss team Q36.5 Pro Cycling have signed cyclist Sam Bennett on a one-year deal, completing their 30-rider line-up for the season ahead.

The signing means Bennett will link up with fellow Irishman Eddie Dunbar for the 2026 campaign.

The Waterford man has 10 Grand Tour stage victories and has the rare distinction of being among the select group of riders to have won stages in all three Grand Tours.

Kurt Bogaerts, the current high performance head at Q36.5, will relink with Bennett after working with him earlier in the 35-year-old's career.

“It's fantastic to be joining Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team next season,” said Bennett. “My career was launched by Kurt Bogaerts, so it feels as if I've taken a winding path home.”

Bogaerts commented on his past and future with the Carrick-on-Suir native. 

“We first were together on the An Post - Sean Kelly where he turned pro from our team after winning the stage in Caerphilly at the 2013 Tour of Britian. We remained in contact throughout his career and now we have the opportunity to add his winning experience to our Team.

He understands what it takes to win at the highest level and especially at Grand Tours. Sam gives us the chance to target high-profile victories and the consistency we strive for.”