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.
"This team has been my home since day one, and stepping into this role feels like a natural next step," Thomas stated.
This appointment for Thomas, the 2018 Tour de France champion, was widely expected and comes after a significant leadership overhaul at Ineos Grenadiers.
As per the team's announcement, Thomas’ newly created leadership role will see him collaborating directly alongside Ineos head of sport 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 offers a mix of stage racing and one-day racing experience.
"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 expressed.
His tactical intelligence, years in the sport 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 recent years.
Ex-team boss 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 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, nor where they need to be and the gap is not small," performance expert Dan Bigham remarked, following his 2024 departure announcement.
Thomas’ new position was first mooted in 2024 when he told media outlets 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 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 willingness to now share this and mentor others is a great asset for the team," Brailsford affirmed.
