Thomas throws out old INEOS mentality in new role: 'Transition is excuse for poor performance'

Geraint Thomas ended his professional career this year, bringing a long and decorated run to a close. The highlight of his career remains his Tour de France victory, but as a retired rider he now steps into a new role at INEOS Grenadiers. And he is more motivated than ever: Thomas is ready to set the cycling world alight.

After his emotional farewell at the Tour of Britain, it was revealed this week that Thomas will take on a new position within the British team. As Director of Racing, he will work alongside Dave Brailsford and Scott Drawer, focusing on strategy, recruitment and overall race readiness. The 39-year-old Welshman will therefore remain at INEOS Grenadiers, applying his vast experience in a fresh capacity.

The team of Brailsford and co has endured difficult years. Where they once dominated in the Thomas-Froome era, little of that supremacy remains. But the former Tour champion refuses to use that as an excuse. "There's been a lot of talk about transition," he remarks in the Watts Occurring podcast. "But the transition's over now, mate: we're going here, this is what we're doing. Transition is an excuse for poor performance."

With one of the biggest budgets in the WorldTour, INEOS Grenadiers should be competitive in every major race—but 2024 showed that wasn’t always the case. After just 14 wins, the team changed direction, and with a far more aggressive racing style that tally doubled in 2025. Yet challenging Tadej Pogacar remains incredibly difficult. Thomas, however, is having none of it.

UAE Team Emirates – XRG looks unbeatable at the moment, but the Welshman believes patience is key. "The Patriots in the NFL, Man City now in football, the All-Blacks: that's sport, you know. Things come around in cycles. UAE are top now, they are incredible at the minute. But for me, this is the start now. We're heading there, that's the goal. Pog's not going to be around forever."

With Daryl Impey and Elia Viviani joining as sports directors, a new step has been taken. Thomas, who will be closely involved in rider recruitment, is only now realising how tough that process is. "I'm not signing guys, but being in the room, in those conversations: that's opened my eyes. It's not quite as simple as: 'that guy is good, just sign him! He wants to come! It's a big jigsaw, everything has a knock-on effect."