News

Damien Howson Stays With Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team

Damien Howson has signed a new contract with the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team for 2026. The 32-year-old Australian has done eleven Grand Tours and brings a lot of experience and strength to the team. ‘Damo’ looks forward to keep contributing to the continued development of the team.

3 July 2025

Damien Howson has been a part of the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team since its inception in 2023. The 32-year-old from Adelaide, Australia is one of the most experienced riders and we are happy to announce he will be part of the team in 2026.

“I have seen the project take off in 2023 and it has changed dramatically in the past three years. It was a simple choice to stay for another year because this team is an evolving project. That’s what attracted me in the first place, and I look forward to being part of its continued development. We are doing two Grand Tour this year and that confirms we are heading in a great direction.”

Howson started his career with a time trial world title in the U23 ranks but has evolved into an allround climber and versatile rider. He has done eleven Grand Tours including the Tour de France twice. That experience is valuable to the team.

“My personal ambitions stay the same,” Howson explains. “I like to take my own opportunities in races that suit me like Oman, or other short stage races. I am not a prolific winner but that stage win in Asturias in my first year with Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is a wonderful memory. It was a nice way to show the team they believed in the right person. I hope an opportunity like that arises this year or next year again.

But I also know my place in the biggest races in support of a team leader. This year we did our first Grand Tour as a team, and it confirmed to me again that it’s my terrain. I have expressed my hopes to Doug to be back at the Tour de France one day. We are a team on the way up and I am confident that’s our next step together.”

General manager Doug Ryder added:

“By keeping Damo on the team, we continue to build on our foundations. Howson has such a wealth of experience with eleven Grand Tours under his belt that he is an important pillar in the group around Tom. His experience also helps our younger riders further. Damo also showed with a fourth place in Tour of Oman and a tenth place in Abruzzo this year he can do well for himself too. Damo has been with us since the start of the project in 2023 and I am happy we can keep relying on his strength and experience for another year to come.”