This is a thrilling moment for both Dunbar and his supporters, and the next few months will be vital in revealing how far this skilled climber can reach.
Irish cyclist Eddie Dunbar has been on a transformative journey in his
professional career, and his latest moves suggest a thrilling new chapter ahead.
After a challenging period battling injuries and adjusting to the structured
environment of INEOS, Dunbar made the bold decision to join Team Jayco
AlUla in 2023. Now, with a fresh outlook and newfound freedom, the talented
climber is eyeing a bigger role in 2025, including a possible debut at the
prestigious Tour de France.
Dunbar’s time at INEOS, from 2018 to 2022, was marked by valuable learning
experiences. Under the guidance of some of the world’s top riders, he gained
invaluable insight into the intricacies of professional cycling. However, despite
being surrounded by elite teammates, Dunbar’s potential was often held back
due to the team’s dominant structure, which made it difficult for emerging
talents like him to carve out their own path. For a rider known for his climbing
abilities and Grand Tour potential, this limitation proved frustrating. “It’s a
setup that works for some, but not for me,” he admits. “It just didn’t allow me
to be the rider I wanted to be.”
The shift to Team Jayco AlUla in 2023 marked a turning point. For Dunbar,
the Australian squad represented an opportunity for greater freedom and a
chance to take charge of his own career. “Here, I feel like I’ve found a place
where I can be myself and continue progressing,” he says, reflecting on his
successful transition. His results speak for themselves: at the Giro d’Italia that
year, he finished an impressive sixth overall, despite falling ill during the final
week. “I had a solid Giro, but I think there’s still untapped potential,” Dunbar
notes.
However, the following year brought more setbacks. After a promising 2023,
injuries plagued his 2024 season, making it difficult for him to reach his peak
form. “I felt like I was chasing my fitness for most of the season,” he admits.
But in June, things started to click. By the time the Vuelta a España rolled
around, Dunbar was back in top shape, and his performances began to shine
once again. He won a stage and showcased his climbing prowess, particularly
on Stage 20, when he attacked the infamous Picón Blanco climb, distancing
riders like Primoz Roglic and Enric Mas. “It was a pure climbing performance,”
Dunbar reflects. “It felt like the perfect way to cap off a challenging season.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Dunbar’s ambitions remain high. He’s already focused
on continuing the momentum from the Vuelta, with plans to target the Tour de
France. “If I can maintain the form I had in the Vuelta, I think a Top 10 finish
and being competitive in a Grand Tour is possible,” he says. Dunbar is aware of
the challenges ahead, but he’s motivated by the opportunity to test himself
against the world’s best, including the dominant forces in the peloton, Tadej
Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard.
In addition to his Grand Tour goals, Dunbar is also excited about the opening
races of the 2025 season. He’s set to kick things off with the AlUla Tour in
Saudi Arabia, a key race for Team Jayco, whose main sponsor is AlUla. “It’ll be
a great way to start the season, performing well in a race that means a lot to
the team,” Dunbar says. He’ll be joined by teammate Alan Hatherly at the
event, but Dunbar won’t be staying in the Middle East for the UAE Tour or
Tour of Oman. Instead, he plans to return to Europe for altitude training
before targeting races like Paris-Nice. “AlUla will be my main focus for the
start of the season,” he adds.
As Dunbar looks to make his mark in 2025, the changes in his career trajectory
are unmistakable. With a new team, a renewed sense of freedom, and an ever-
increasing level of confidence, the 27-year-old Irishman is poised for a
breakout year. His sights are firmly set on the Tour de France, and with his
climbing pedigree and determination, Dunbar could soon find himself among
the elite riders in the sport. It’s an exciting time for both him and his fans, and
the coming months will be crucial in determining just how far this talented
climber can go.
