Geraint Thomas Assumes Fresh Position as Racing Director at the Ineos cycling team
Ineos Grenadiers have named Geraint Thomas as their new racing director, just weeks after ending his racing career at this year’s Tour of Britain.
"This team has been my home since day one, and taking on this position is a logical progression," Thomas said.
This appointment for Thomas, who was Tour de France winner in 2018, was widely expected and follows 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 head of sport Dave Brailsford and performance director Scott Drawer.
His responsibilities will include contributing key insights on competition planning, talent acquisition, athlete growth and race readiness.
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 brings a blend of stage racing 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 commented.
The Welshman’s guile, experience and knowledge of the peloton will fill a void in know-how that had become evident lately.
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 "much ground to make up" following his sojourn at Manchester United.
Ineos Grenadiers last claimed a Grand Tour victory in 2021 and the once-dominant team faced criticism by Thomas himself and former staff.
They noted the team was lagging behind four-time Tour champion Tadej Pogacar and his rivals, Jonas 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’ new position was initially discussed last year when he shared with reporters that the team’s management was “like a coalition government”.
He added that "it was a lot more straightforward with Dave at the top. There was clarity with everything."
The longstanding professional bond with the Welshman has been key to his recruitment.
"Geraint knows what the process takes, how to deal with the highs and lows of elite sport and his eagerness to pass this on and guide other riders represents a major plus for the squad," Brailsford said.
