Geraint Thomas has been appointed as the new director of racing at Ineos Grenadiers, only a few weeks after ending his racing career at this year’s Tour of Britain.
"I've called this team home from the very beginning, and taking on this position is a logical progression," Thomas stated.
This appointment for Thomas, the 2018 Tour de France champion, has been long-anticipated and comes after a significant leadership overhaul at Ineos Grenadiers.
As per the team's announcement, 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, rider recruitment, development 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 eager to support emerging talent, to pass on that experience and keep pushing the team forward towards our mission of winning Grand Tours again," Thomas commented.
His tactical intelligence, experience and understanding of the pack will plug a gap in expertise that had become evident lately.
The squad found it hard to challenge for top spots in Grand Tours in recent years.
Former Grenadiers team principal Dave Brailsford, back at the Tour de France, admitted last July that he had "much ground to make up" after his time with Manchester United.
Ineos Grenadiers last claimed a Grand Tour victory in 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, Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel.
"The team isn't at its desired level, and not where it must be and the gap is not small," aerodynamics guru Dan Bigham remarked, following his 2024 departure announcement.
Thomas’ recent appointment was first mooted in 2024 when he shared with reporters that the team’s management was “like a coalition government”.
He added that "things were clearer with Dave in charge. There was clarity with everything."
The longstanding professional bond with Thomas has been key to his recruitment.
"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 mentor others is a great asset for the team," Brailsford said.
