The Welsh cyclist Steps Into Fresh Role as Director of Racing at Ineos Grenadiers
Geraint Thomas has been appointed as the new director of racing at Ineos Grenadiers, just weeks after ending his racing career at this year’s Tour of Britain.
"I've called this team home from the very beginning, and stepping into this role feels like a natural next step," Thomas stated.
The move by Thomas, the 2018 Tour de France champion, has been long-anticipated and follows a major management reshuffle at Ineos Grenadiers.
According to Ineos, Thomas’ freshly established senior position will see him collaborating directly alongside Ineos head of sport Dave Brailsford and performance director Scott Drawer.
His responsibilities will include providing crucial input into competition planning, talent acquisition, athlete growth and preparation for events.
Thomas, who last finished on a Grand Tour podium at the 2024 Giro d'Italia, finished third behind Tadej Pogacar and participated in the latest Tour de France.
He offers a mix of stage racing and single-day competition knowledge.
"I’m passionate about helping the next generation come through, to share my know-how and keep pushing the team forward towards our mission of winning Grand Tours again," Thomas expressed.
His tactical intelligence, experience and understanding of the pack will fill a void in know-how that was apparent in recent seasons.
The squad struggled to compete for the podium positions in Grand Tours in the past few seasons.
Former Grenadiers team principal Dave Brailsford, back at the Tour de France, conceded last July that he had "much ground to make up" after his time with Manchester United.
Ineos Grenadiers have not won a Grand Tour since 2021 and the once-dominant team faced criticism by Thomas himself and ex-team members.
They noted the team was lagging behind four-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar and his rivals, Vingegaard and Evenepoel.
"The team isn't at its desired level, and not where it must be and the gap is not small," performance expert Dan Bigham said, after announcing he was leaving the team in 2024.
Thomas’ recent appointment was initially discussed last year when he told media outlets that the team’s management was “like a coalition government”.
He noted that "it was a lot more straightforward with Dave at the top. There was clarity with everything."
Brailsford’s long-standing working relationship with the Welshman played a vital role in bringing him onboard.
"Geraint knows what the process takes, how to handle the ups and downs of top-level competition and his eagerness to pass this on and guide other riders is a great asset for the team," Brailsford affirmed.
