ANALYSIS: Should the INEOS Grenadiers sign Caleb Ewan for 2025?

There’s no doubt about it, the INEOS Grenadiers have reached a pivotal moment in their history. Following a dismal 2024 season that saw them endure arguably their worst campaign ever, the departure of key rider Tom Pidcock has left a significant void in their roster.

Meanwhile, Caleb Ewan, once a prolific sprinter, finds himself in limbo after an underwhelming seasons with Team Jayco-AlUla to say the least. With INEOS reportedly considering adding the 30-year-old Australian to their ranks, the question arises: would this partnership benefit either party?

INEOS Grenadiers have been criticised for lacking a world-class sprinter, a shortfall highlighted by Geraint Thomas himself. Ewan’s record of 11 Grand Tour stage wins, including five at the Tour de France, demonstrates his capabilities as one of the fastest finishers of his generation. Even though his last Grand Tour stage victory came in 2021 at the Giro, Ewan’s raw speed is undeniable and he could still offer INEOS a weapon they currently lack. INEOS had an appalling Tour de France and Vuelta for their standards, as they picked up no wins at either grand tour so their last grand tour stage win came on the first day of the Giro.

Ewan’s presence could immediately boost INEOS’ chances in flat stages and one-day classics. While the team’s focus has traditionally been on stage races and general classification riders, they could diversify their approach by targeting stage wins through Ewan. His near misses at Milano-Sanremo (two second-place finishes) highlight his ability to perform in prestigious one-day races, providing INEOS with a valuable asset outside of Grand Tour general classification battles where they have been left in the dust by their rivals in recent years.

As a high-profile name in cycling, Ewan’s addition could bring renewed attention to INEOS, particularly in markets like Australia, where cycling enjoys a dedicated following. His nationality could also pave the way for sponsorship or marketing opportunities in a new region. This is particularly important for INEOS, who have been talking in recent months about acquiring new sponsors in order to boost their resources and fight back towards UAE and Visma.

Ewan’s recent results raise concerns. Over the last two seasons, he has managed just four victories, none of which came at WorldTour level or in Grand Tours. In 2024, he won three minor races but struggled to assert himself in major competitions, mirroring the downward trajectory of Team Jayco-AlUla. At 30 years old, turning 31 in July, Ewan may not have the potential for resurgence that INEOS need as they enter a transitional period. Is this really the sort of rebuild that INEOS need?

INEOS’ history is rooted in dominating Grand Tours and developing talents such as Chris Froome and Egan Bernal, and signing Ewan would represent a departure from their established strategy. The team’s roster is already in flux, with Pidcock’s departure and reliance on ageing veterans like Thomas to pick up strong results. Investing in Ewan could signal a lack of clear direction at a time when INEOS might benefit more from nurturing emerging stars, and perhaps signing him would show that they don’t really have a clear direction or strategy right now.

Ewan’s salary and the resources required to support him, including lead-out trains and tailored race schedules, may not align with INEOS’ priorities. Building a team around a sprinter involves significant logistical changes, potentially detracting from their focus on stage races and classics.

Ewan’s career achievements speak for themselves: 63 professional victories, including stage wins at all three Grand Tours and high-profile one-day races. Known as “The Pocket Rocket” for his explosive speed, Ewan’s success stems from his ability to navigate chaotic sprint finishes with the sort of precision we once saw from the legendary Mark Cavendish. However, his recent lack of wins at the highest level raises questions about his current competitiveness.

Despite his struggles, Ewan’s experience could prove invaluable in specific races. His presence might also inspire younger teammates, offering mentorship to emerging talents who could learn from his approach to sprinting.

INEOS’ 2024 season was a nightmare by their lofty standards, considering just how dominate they were during the 2010s. The team’s reliance on veterans like Thomas, coupled with Pidcock’s drama-filled departure, exposed deeper issues within their roster and strategy. Once the dominant force in cycling, INEOS now face fierce competition from teams like UAE Team Emirates – XRG and Team Visma | Lease a Bike, whose rosters boast depth, youth, and extreme talent.

The departure of Pidcock, a versatile rider capable of excelling in stage races and classics, further complicates INEOS’ rebuild. With limited young talent stepping up and a lack of clear leadership, the team’s priorities should arguably lie in developing riders for the future rather than seeking short-term fixes. Of course, Carlos Rodriguez showed great promise throughout 2023, but his 2024 season was more quiet and may have the leadership scratching their heads.

For Caleb Ewan, a move to INEOS could represent a fresh start after a difficult period in his career. He has openly dismissed speculation about retirement, emphasising his determination to continue competing at the highest level. However, adapting to a team with a vastly different culture and objectives from his previous squads could present challenges. INEOS’ approach to racing, which emphasises team discipline and strategy, may not align with Ewan’s need for a dedicated lead-out train and support structure.

Ewan’s success has often depended on having the right setup, including experienced lead-out riders capable of delivering him to the perfect position in sprints. Whether INEOS, a team historically focused on general classification, can provide such a setup remains uncertain. Without the necessary infrastructure, Ewan risks facing the same struggles that have plagued his recent seasons.

If INEOS are to adapt to the changing landscape of professional cycling, their focus may be better placed on fostering young talent. During 2023, it seemed as if INEOS were monitoring Remco Evenepoel’ situation at Soudal – Quick-Step, and that would have been a brilliant singing for the team, but that seems to be off the cards now.

Perhaps, the best thing INEOS needs to is to understand what sort of team they want to be going forwards. Signing a sprinter seems to be a bit of strange move for a team that has always prioritised general classification results, and this could be more of a panic signing than a sensible long term recruit.

Should this move materialise, the decision to sign Ewan could set a precedent for INEOS’ future direction. If successful, it might encourage the team to adopt a more diverse strategy, targeting stage wins and classics alongside their traditional focus on Grand Tours. However, failure to integrate Ewan effectively could further erode their reputation and highlight deeper issues within the organisation.

For Ewan, joining INEOS offers the opportunity to revitalise his career, but it also comes with significant risks. Without the proper support, he could find himself in a similar position to his recent seasons, struggling for results and confidence.

While Caleb Ewan’s signing would address INEOS’ lack of a sprinter and bring immediate opportunities for stage wins, it comes with significant risks. Ewan’s declining form, coupled with the resources required to integrate him into the team, may outweigh the potential benefits. For a team in transition, prioritising the development of young talent and refining their long-term strategy seems a more prudent path forward.

Ewan’s future in professional cycling remains uncertain, and a move to INEOS could provide him with a lifeline. However, whether this partnership would truly work for both parties is debatable. As INEOS navigate a critical juncture in their history, the decision to sign Caleb Ewan must align with their broader vision for the future. Otherwise, it risks being another short-term solution that fails to address the team’s deeper challenges.