The Drapac EF p/b Cannondale Holistic Development team has begun its European block of racing, starting with Belgian race Halle Ingooigem this coming Tuesday.

Drapac is sending eight riders off the current roster, including recent Education First-Drapac signing, James Whelan.

Said, Whelan, “I’m looking forward to getting back to Europe and racing again! I’m looking to get more European racing experience with Drapac EF, which will be a great leadup to my stagiaire role with EF Education First-Drapac”.

Joining James in Europe is current under-23 National champion Cyrus Monk, Liam White and recent Tour of Korea young rider’s jersey winner, Liam Magennis.

“The Tour of Korea was a good opportunity to show how well I’ve progressed this year, and I can’t wait to see how this translates to European racing. It’s my first time over there, so I’m going to learn a lot, and hopefully get some results too!”, said Magennis, who is also currently studying a bachelor of Bachelor of Applied Science, National Parks and Heritage at Charles Sturt University.

Rounding out the 8-man team are Australian Catholic University student Sascha Bondarenko, Monash University student, Patrick Burt, University of Adelaide student, Thomas Kaesler, and Curtin University student, Theodore Yates, who will be joining the team in July.

Patrick Burt is looking forward to the unique experience that the Europe block of racing will offer him, saying, “I’m super keen to have my first go at European racing and to see if all the hard work in the early part of the season has paid off. It will be an amazing opportunity to test myself against some seriously strong competition in races I hope will suit my characteristics. I aim to hold my own and do my bit for the team while gaining experience at a higher level than I have raced at before”.

The team will be racing in several one-day UCI 1.1 races while filling in the time with local pro kermesses in Belgium.

The Europe stint of racing is planned to be during Australian University semester one break, as all of the team’s riders are required to be studying while racing for Drapac EF p/b Cannondale.

The Drapac EF p/b Cannondale Holistic Development team Europe Roster:

• Cyrus Monk
• James Whelan
• Sascha Bondarenko
• Liam Magennis
• Liam White
• Patrick Burt
• Thomas Kaesler
• Theodore Yates