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Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team Targets Tour of Britain Triumph

After a stellar debut in 2023, Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team returns to the Tour of Britain with high ambitions and a motivated six-rider squad.

1 September 2024.
@SprintCycling

The team’s strong lineup includes Damien Howson, who secured a podium finish in the final General Classification (GC) last year, and local star Mark Donovan, who claimed 5th overall and won the Best British Rider award.

The 2024 Tour of Britain kicks off on Tuesday, September 3rd, in Kelso, Scotland, featuring six challenging stages before concluding in Felixstowe on Sunday, September 8th. The first two stages are expected to be among the toughest in the race’s history, with over 5,000 meters of elevation gain on rugged terrain. As the race heads south towards the Suffolk coast, sprinters will have their opportunities to shine.

Leading the team’s GC ambitions are Brit Mark Donovan and Australian Damien Howson, both eager to build on their impressive performances in last year’s race.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to racing. The second part of the season hasn’t gone entirely to plan due to an injury setback, but I’ve worked hard over the past six weeks to recover. My form is still a bit uncertain, but I’m excited to see what I’m capable of,” said Damien Howson. “This year’s Tour of Britain may have two fewer stages than in 2023, but they promise to be tough days. There doesn’t seem to be a standout GC day, but I believe we’ll see some aggressive racing, which will make for an attacking and open race. With the team we have, we can aim for a win every day while also putting our best foot forward in the GC. I’d love to repeat last year’s podium finish.”

 

“With the team we have, we can aim for a win every day while also putting our best foot forward in the GC.”

Tour of Britain 2023 Team Classification Winners @James York
Damien Howson 3rd GC in Tour of Britain 2023 @James York

“Winning my home race would be incredible!”

Although this year’s route doesn’t pass through his home roads, Mark Donovan remains highly motivated and is determined to improve on his 2023 result:

“I’m very excited for my home race! Last year was great, with Damo (Damien Howson) and I finishing 3rd and 5th in the GC. This year, I’m aiming to take it a step further, either by winning the overall or at least securing a podium spot. Winning my home race would be incredible! The first stages will be tough, likely followed by a few sprint stages towards the end. As a team, we’re coming in with the ambition to win, and I’m really looking forward to it,” said a motivated Mark Donovan.

Supporting Howson and Donovan in their GC quests are former American National Champion Joey Rosskopf and former Canadian National Champion Nick Zukowsky. The team’s sprinting efforts will be spearheaded by former Irish National Champion and 2019 Tour of Britain Sprints jersey winner Rory Townsend. Completing the versatile six-rider squad is Dutch stagiaire Jelte Krijnsen,who made a statement with an emphatic win in his debut race for Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team at the Vlaamse Druivenkoers Overijse just over a week ago.

Tour of Britain 2024 Line-up:
Mark Donovan (GBR)
Damien Howson (AUS)
Jelte Krijnsen (NED)
Joey Rosskopf (USA)
Rory Townsend (IRE)
Nick Zukowsky (CAN)