Chris Harper interview: getting to know Team Jayco AlUla's super-domestique

Chris Harper has been quietly establishing a reputation as one of the best Australian pro cyclists of his generation. He may not win a lot of races, but he enjoys contributing to the success of his team.
In 2024, his second season with Team Jayco AlUla, he is one of the key team-mates for Simon Yates and the Brit's bit for more Grand Tour glory... and, for all his qualities, Harper himself is hesitant about accepting the label of "Super-Domestique". Still, that's essentially what his job description is, and it's something he does in unassuming style.
This is part of a series of videos from #TDU2024. Interview recorded at the new Jayco Adelaide showroom shortly after the team launch on 15 January 2024.
- Rob
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www.ridemedia.com.au
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Acknowledgement:
This video was made on the lands of the Kaurna people and I'd like to pay my respects to elders past and present.
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See more from RIDE Media at the Tour Down Under of 2023 - presented by Plasmaide, plasmaide.com.au - on ridemedia.com.au and social media channels.
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Chapters
00:00 intro
00:46 National Championships - 2nd behind team-mate Luke Plapp
02:15 Evolution as a pro cyclist
03:44 Maturing in the peloton
04:25 Aspirations for leadership?
05:47 Comparing himself with Simon Yates
06:43 Team spirit at Jayco AlUla
08:00 Changing teams - from Jumbo-Visma to Jayco AlUla
10:57 Psychology… mental benefits from cycling
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Race vision courtesy of Tour Down Under and AusCycling.
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Music:
Against The Clock
Nu Alkemi$t
17GVPLW0WBPF0YEJ

[@alchsam]

Thanks Rob. A lovely insight into Chris’s working relationship with Simon. I hope Chris has an opportunity to take a win at one of his races this year.

[@durianriders]

King of Norton!

[@pmb0001]

Great stuff yet again mate! 👏👏👏

[@troycollett8540]

Chris is a top guy and hope he has a great season

[@davehanhela5997]

Great interview. Chris is such a classy rider and seems a great guy.

[@kennypryde4235]

Thoughtful fella. I'm fascinated by the way he is so matter-of-fact about those handful of riders who everyone in the peloton recognises as being on another level. Clearly he's got a ton of talent and a great attitude, yet is still sanguine about his role and abilities. Great stuff.

[@michealwalford2905]

One of the best 👌