INEOS Grenadiers has big task in board immediately for Geraint Thomas in brand new role

INEOS Grenadiers has appointed Geraint Thomas as "Director of Racing," the English formation announced in a press release. The Welshman put an end to his active pro career after last season and there is no time for a sabbatical. "A new chapter," INEOS Grenadiers calls it.

""One of cycling’s most respected and decorated riders" will have a newly created position within the team at INEOS. As Director of Racing, he will work closely with Director of Sport Dave Brailsford and Performance Director Scott Drawer. Thomas will provide "crucial input into race strategy, rider recruitment, development and race readiness".

According to INEOS Grenadiers, Thomas' appointment is a signal that the team wants to continue to build the team with building pieces from within. There is talk of an "immense knowledge of the sport and what it takes to win". They are going to reap the benefits of that at the British multimillion-dollar formation, they say.

Thomas experienced the start of Team Sky in 2010 and since then rode the rest of his career for INEOS Grenadiers. The highlight came in 2018, when he won the Tour de France. At the age of 39, he bid farewell to the peloton, with 25 victories on his record. That included overall victories in Paris-Nice, Romandie and the Tour of Switzerland.

"This team has been my home since day one, and stepping into this role feels like a natural next step. I’ve learnt so much from the people around me - fellow riders and staff - and I now want to continue building on our incredible past success into the future. I’m passionate about helping the next generation come through."

"To pass on that experience and keep pushing the team forward towards our mission of winning Grand Tours again." Brailsford added: "Geraint typifies what it means to be a Grenadier. He has lived and breathed elite performance throughout his career. He always set himself very ambitious goals and invariably went on to achieve them."

"He 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 to do the same is a great asset for the team."