The Welsh cyclist Steps Into New Role as Director of Racing at the Ineos cycling team
Ineos Grenadiers have named Geraint Thomas as their new racing director, only a few weeks after retiring from competition at this year’s Tour of Britain.
"This team has been my home since day one, and stepping into this role feels like a natural next step," Thomas said.
The move by Thomas, who was Tour de France winner in 2018, has been long-anticipated and follows a major management reshuffle at Ineos Grenadiers.
According to Ineos, Thomas’ newly created leadership role will see him collaborating directly alongside Ineos sports chief Dave Brailsford and performance director Scott Drawer.
His responsibilities will include providing crucial input into race strategy, talent acquisition, athlete growth and preparation for events.
Thomas, who last finished on a Grand Tour podium at the 2024 Giro d'Italia, placed third to Tadej Pogacar and rode this year’s Tour de France.
He offers a mix of multi-day events and single-day competition knowledge.
"I’m passionate about helping the next generation come through, to pass on that experience and keep pushing the team forward towards our goal of Grand Tour victories," Thomas expressed.
His tactical intelligence, experience and understanding of the pack will plug a gap in expertise that was apparent in recent seasons.
The squad found it hard to challenge for top spots in Grand Tours in recent years.
Ex-team boss Dave Brailsford, back at the Tour de France, admitted last July that he had "a lot of catching up to do" after his time with Manchester United.
Ineos Grenadiers last claimed a Grand Tour victory in 2021 and the previously leading outfit 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, Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel.
"Ineos are not where they want to be, nor where they need to be and the gap is not small," performance expert Dan Bigham remarked, following his 2024 departure announcement.
Thomas’ recent appointment was initially discussed last year when he shared with reporters that the squad's leadership resembled a "coalition government".
He noted that "it was a lot more straightforward with Dave at the top. Everything was well-defined."
Brailsford’s long-standing working relationship with Thomas 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 represents a major plus for the squad," Brailsford affirmed.