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Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team signs Rory Townsend for 2024

Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is delighted to announce the signing of former Irish National Road Champion Rory Townsend, who will be joining the team from the 2024 season onwards, inking a two-year contract.

8 September 2023

Born in Kingston upon Thames, the 28-year-old has forged an impressive career in the world of cycling since turning pro in 2016. Townsend amassed four victories and several UCI podiums, most notably he won the Irish Elite National Road Champion title during a triumphant 2022 season.

Townsend’s journey through the sport has been characterised by unwavering dedication and a passion for cycling that shines through in his performances across a wide range of terrain.From conquering the Mountains classification in the Tour of Almaty to dominating the Sprint classification at the Tour of Quanzhou Bay in China, Townsend has showcased his versatility and prowess in all corners of the globe. Furthermore, he’s left his mark on the Tour of Britain  – where his currently racing – seizing the Sprint classification in 2019 and an impressive five top-ten stage finishes, thus far.

“I am truly excited to be joining Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team for the next two seasons. Despite being a relatively new team, they possess a wealth of experience at the highest levels of cycling and an unmatched ambition. I am eager to grow alongside Q36.5 as it continues to progress, providing support to my teammates in the classics and contributing to the team’s success in sprint races. Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team has assembled a stellar roster, and I am honoured to be a part of it,” said Townsend. 

Amongst his list of accolades, Townsend won three rounds of the British Cycling Elite road series in 2019. On the international stage, he earned recognition with several UCI podium finishes, securing a third-place finish at the Heistse Pijl and the Classic Loire-Atlantique. In 2021, he celebrated a stage victory at the Tour de la Mirabelle and won the coveted green points jersey, while the following year he reached the pinnacle of his career, clinching the Irish Elite National Champion title.

 

@ LNC - B. Bade
@SprintCycling

“Rory is a remarkably versatile and competitive rider”

This season Townsend secured the victory at La Roue Tourangelle Centre Val de Loire – Trophée Groupama, and seized no less than seven top-five finishes to date, including a remarkable runner-up placement at the Irish Nationals.

“We’re thrilled to have Rory join the team as our first-ever Irish rider. His addition significantly strengthens Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team’s classics ambitions. Rory is a remarkably versatile and competitive rider, possessing a great sprint that will enhance our team’s capabilities across a wide spectrum of races. Beyond his athletic prowess, Rory’s motivation, resilience, and grounded approach align perfectly with our team’s vision and values. We look forward to achieving great success together,” said Doug Ryder, Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team General Manager.

Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is excited to welcome Rory Townsend into the fold, and we anticipate a thrilling journey ahead. He is the first Irish rider to join the ranks of our Swiss-registered team and our third new signing for 2024 after Giacomo Nizzolo and Frederik Frison.