South African cycling team boss Doug Ryder has launched a new team, called ‘Q36.5 ProTeam’.
The Switzerland-registered squad is the latest project from the former Dimension Data and Qhubeka boss and it takes its name from Italian clothing brand Q36.5.
The recently-retired Vincenzo Nibali has joined as a technical advisor and brand ambassador. He is one of only seven cyclists to have won all three of cycling’s Grand Tours in their career.
As a ProTeam, Q36.5 will be forced to rely on invites to the biggest races, although the presence of some big names and Nibali on the staff means they might be favoured by Italian race organisers RCS Sport, who run the Giro d’Italia.
“Cycling ignites positive change and we believe this roster of riders and staff will live our mission, will be committed to each other, and will race with passion and fight,” said Ryder. “With progress at the heart of who we are, our goal is also to help communities grow sustainably using the upward mobility that bikes offer. Bikes don’t only bring people together; they also help move them forward. As a team, we’ll be racing for more than just winning; we’re racing to shape the future in a positive way, with a key focus on mobility, education, and development in Africa.”
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This continues the mission of the various iterations of the Qhubeka team that Ryder ran in the past; they disappeared from the WorldTour at the end of the 2021 season, only continuing as a Continental development team. This development team will continue, but now rebranded as Q36.5.
There is just one African rider on the ProTeam, Negasi Haylu Abreha, who is Ethiopian champion, and moves across from the development squad.
ProTeam status means Q36.5 can rely on a full calendar of lower-division races, but will need to battle for wildcard invites to WorldTour events.