Australia's Jimmy Whelan will travel to Europe in 2023 to secure a spot in the European peloton and prove his true potential as a rider.

The 26-year-old from Melbourne was with EF Education until 2021, when he broke his pelvis in the summer and was released from his contract by the US WorldTour team. He is confident he can compete in Europe, but the team needs to offer him one of the final slots on the 2023 roster.

Whelan has been working with Ryder agent Baden Cook, and two teams are interested in signing him.

Most teams have completed their 2023 rosters, but seven WorldTour teams still have openings before they reach the UCI's limit of 30 riders, and other pro teams have openings. Astana Kazakstan signed Mark Cavendish and Cees Bol this week.

Whelan raced for Team Brigellan in 2022, winning the opening stage and overall class at the 2022 Santos Festival of Cycling during the COVID-19 pandemic. He beat an Australian World Tour rider, but then collided with a car before the critical block of the European race at Team Bridgelane.

He finished second in the 2022 Australian Championships and ninth this year.

He won the 2018 Tour de Flanders under 23, showing his talent in one-day races. He considers himself a puncher and a versatile rider. He has been with EF Education for three years and completed the 2020 Giro d'Italia.

"I'm heading to Europe soon in hopes that teams will recognize that I can race at the level of the World Tour and pro teams and be competitive," Whelan told Cycling News.

"I think I have the mental and physical capacity to race in Europe. I don't want my career to end like this and I want to keep chasing my dream."

Whelan will head to his European base in Andorra and hope the team will give him a chance. He is inspired by Australian Simon Clark, who also lost his team in January 2022. Israel Premier Tec signed him and he won a cobbled stage at the Tour de France.

"If I can get the ride, I think it will be worth all the sacrifices I have made and for the team that decided to invest in me," Whelan said.

"Other riders and staff I know say I deserve a place in the European peloton. If someone gives me a chance, I will be eternally grateful."