The Welsh cyclist Steps Into New Role as Racing Director at Ineos Grenadiers
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.
This appointment for Thomas, the 2018 Tour de France champion, has been long-anticipated and comes after a major management reshuffle at Ineos Grenadiers.
As per the team's announcement, Thomas’ freshly established senior position will see him working closely with Ineos sports chief Dave Brailsford and performance director Scott Drawer.
His responsibilities will include contributing key insights on competition planning, rider recruitment, development 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 rode this year’s Tour de France.
He brings a blend 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 drive the squad ahead towards our mission of winning Grand Tours again," Thomas commented.
The Welshman’s guile, experience and knowledge of the peloton will fill a void in know-how that was apparent in recent seasons.
The British team 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, admitted last July that he had "a lot of catching up to do" following his sojourn at Manchester United.
Ineos Grenadiers have not won a Grand Tour since 2021 and the previously leading outfit has been criticised by Thomas himself and former staff.
They noted the team was falling behind four-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar and his rivals, Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel.
"The team isn't at its desired level, nor where they need to 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 "things were clearer with Dave in charge. Everything was well-defined."
Brailsford’s long-standing working relationship with Thomas played a vital role in bringing him onboard.
"Geraint understands what's required, how to handle the ups and downs of top-level competition and his willingness to now share this and guide other riders represents a major plus for the squad," Brailsford affirmed.
