Eddie Dunbar moves to Q36.5 to reach full Grand Tour potential

Eddie Dunbar training in his INEOS days. Picture: INPHO/Bryan Keane

Cork cyclist Eddie Dunbar will join the Q36.5 in 2026, aiming for more success on Grand Tours.

The 28-year-old leaves Jayco-Alula to team up with Tom Pidcock at the Swiss team. He has penned a two-year deal and will work again with Q36.5 directeur sportif Kurt Bogaerts, who he previously teamed up with at Ineos.

Dunbar won two stages at the 2024 Vuelta a España and believes he has yet to reach his full potential on the big races. 

"Grand Tours suit me well because I always get better towards the end," Dunbar said. "I absorb the workload of a three-week race well. There have been glimpses of what I can do but due to crashes and illness I haven’t reached my full potential there yet. That’s something for the next two years.

"The Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is obviously a team on the up, which is a good sign. They are really competitive in races, take it on even if they don’t win and create a good racing atmosphere riding as one," Dunbar said in a press release when Q36.5 announced his signing.

"The team has already done some big races, and I hope I will play my part in the future ones. Winning a race is never easy but when there is an opportunity, I am ready to take my chance."

Working again with Bogaerts is another draw, Dunbar added.

"When Kurt Bogaerts – who I know well from my time at Ineos – joined, my interest was sparked even more.

"I know how he works. I also spoke to [Q36.5 team boss] Doug Ryder on how the team is going and what they expect. In Tom they have a clear leader which is always good for any team so it seems like a good moment now to join with my knowledge and experience."

"Eddie is a very interesting rider I know well," Bogaerts said. "He can climb, time trial and is punchy by nature. He has already shown great things in smaller stage races but also won two stages in the Vuelta and has ridden in support of team leaders often too. He is versatile and quite adapted to hard races. I am happy he will be with us."