Retired for a few weeks, former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas remains with his team Ineos Grenadiers, to become race director.
Last May, before embarking on the final months of competition of his career, Gerain Thomas (39) predicted: “I love cycling and the team, so I would like to stay involved in one way or another. If I go home to Cardiff, take Max (his 6-year-old son, editor’s note) to school and do nothing for the rest of the day, I will go crazy after a week. »
Very attached to the Ineos Grenadiers team (which was called Sky until 2018), where he spent the vast majority of his career, the Welshman will indeed remain with the British team, having officially retired since September 7. The winner of the 2018 Tour de France was indeed named “race director” of the team wearing the red and black jersey.
Two French recruits for Thomas
“He will work closely with Sir Dave Brailsford, Dr Scott Drawer and the rest of the management team, providing essential input into race strategy, recruitment, development and rider preparation,” the Ineos Grenadiers statement said. Next season, the team will be able to rely on Egan Bernal, Thymen Arensman, Carlos Rodriguez, and French recruits Kevin Vauquelin and Dorian Godon. Even if it is no longer as strong as a few years ago and is no longer able to compete with the juggernauts UAE Emirates, Visma-Lease a Bike and Red Bull – Bora – Hansgrohe, the Ineos Grenadiers team can nevertheless have its card to play, thanks to the experience of Geraint Thomas at its head.
Thomas: “This team has been my family since day one”
“I am passionate about supporting the new generation, passing on this experience and continuing to advance the team towards our goal: winning the Grand Tours again. The Grenadiers will continue to run with determination, humility and a constant commitment to excellence, and I am excited to help shape that future. This team has been my family since day one, and taking on this role seems like a logical next step. I learned a lot from my teammates and staff, and I now want to build on our incredible past successes. »
