Australian
From the roads of Australia, Chris Harper has built his career on endurance, and a love for climbing. Having just joined Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, he arrives fresh off a Giro d’Italia stage win and looks forward to seizing every opportunity while providing strong support for his leaders in 2026.
Shaped by Heat and Altitude
Chris Harper’s love for cycling began in front of the TV. Growing up in Australia, he and his younger brother would stay up late during winter holidays to watch the Tour de France stages. “I’ve always enjoyed watching endurance sports,” he recalls. For his 17th birthday, he got his first road bike, signed up for a local criterium, and quickly fell in love with riding and racing.
During the season, Andorra serves as his home. Between races, training camps, and time on the road, it’s the perfect base to recharge and prepare for the challenges ahead. The mountainous terrain shapes his climbing abilities, while nearby roads in Spain offer flat stretches ideal for time-trial work.
Training conditions are highly variable for Chris. Winters are often spent back in Australia while Andorra is covered in snow, with cold and challenging conditions. In summer, the heat returns, offering a completely different environment for training and preparation.
He thrives in the heat, which has allowed him to race across Australia during the summer at events like the Nationals, the Tour Down Under, and Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, setting him up for strong performances in Europe. His goals for the season are clear: maximise every opportunity at races and provide strong support for his leaders when called upon.
One of his standout memories comes from Stage 20 of the Giro d’Italia.
"The race had been a roller coaster for me, and I had put a lot into preparing for it. To finally win a stage on my last chance in the race meant so much"
