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Ineos Grenadiers have named Geraint Thomas as their new racing director, just weeks after retiring from competition at this year’s Tour of Britain.

"I've called this team home from the very beginning, and taking on this position is a logical progression," Thomas said.

This appointment for Thomas, who was Tour de France winner in 2018, has been long-anticipated and follows a significant leadership overhaul at Ineos Grenadiers.

As per the team's announcement, Thomas’ newly created leadership role will see him working closely with Ineos sports chief Dave Brailsford and performance director Scott Drawer.

His responsibilities will include contributing key insights on competition planning, talent acquisition, development and race readiness.

Thomas, most recently podiumed in a Grand Tour at the 2024 Giro, finished third behind Tadej Pogacar and participated in the latest Tour de France.

He offers a mix of stage racing and single-day competition knowledge.

"I'm eager to support emerging talent, to share my know-how and drive the squad ahead towards our mission of winning Grand Tours again," Thomas expressed.

The Welshman’s guile, experience and knowledge of the peloton will fill a void in know-how that had become evident lately.

The squad struggled to compete for the podium positions in Grand Tours in recent years.

Former Grenadiers team principal Dave Brailsford, making his return to 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 lagging behind four-time Tour champion Tadej Pogacar and his rivals, Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel.

"Ineos are not where they want to be, and not where it must be and the gap is not small," performance expert Dan Bigham remarked, after announcing he was leaving the team in 2024.

Thomas’ new position was first mooted in 2024 when he shared with reporters that the team’s management was “like a coalition government”.

He noted that "it was a lot more straightforward with Dave at the top. There was clarity with everything."

Brailsford’s long-standing working relationship with the Welshman has been key to his recruitment.

"Geraint understands what's required, how to deal with the highs and lows of elite sport and his eagerness to pass this on and mentor others is a great asset for the team," Brailsford said.