"He is a very normal person who makes it easy to work with him": INEOS Grenadiers praise Geraint Thomas' transition to management

Imanol Erviti is starting his third season as a Sports Director for INEOS Grenadiers. After a nineteen-year career in the peloton, spent entirely with the Movistar structure, the Spaniard has found a new home in the British team car. Speaking to MARCA, he opened up about the major changes at the British team for 2026.

The team is currently in a phase of transition. With a mix of young signings and a new management structure, INEOS is trying to reclaim its spot at the top of the WorldTour. According to Erviti, Dave Brailsford and Geraint Thomas are the two figures driving this process.

Dave Brailsford returned to a more hands-on role with the team in 2025, and his influence remains the central pillar of the project. For Erviti, Brailsford is the engine behind the daily operation.

"He has a lot of influence on this team and is a leader of the project," Erviti said. "He is the person who makes us give the best of ourselves and the one who really pushes. His return has been very positive."

Erviti believes that while the "DNA" of INEOS remains consistent, the team needs to evolve to keep up with modern cycling. "I consider that the DNA is not lost, but, at the same time, aspects can be modernized and things can be changed," he explained. "It is a constant process and it is clear that we have to update ourselves and take a step further in certain things. We are working on it."

The other major storyline for 2026 is the transition of Geraint Thomas. After hanging up his wheels, the Tour de France winner has stayed with the team as a Race Director. "The truth is that I am very happy with the work he is doing," Erviti said. "Despite the greatness he may have had as a rider, he is a very normal person who makes it easy to work with him."

Thomas is now responsible for tactics and maintaining the team's identity from the car. "He is always looking out for the team culture and tactical aspects. He does a good job that, little by little, will bear fruit."

The roster has also seen significant turnover. The team has brought in six new riders, focusing heavily on youth. "They are very interesting riders for this season and also for a long-term project," he said. "They are young cyclists who will continue to grow, with a very good perspective, and with whom we can work for a longer period."

However, this youth movement coincided with the departure of experienced Spanish veterans Jonathan Castroviejo and Omar Fraile. Erviti insisted there was no bad blood in their exit. "In this case, everything has been very quiet because the decision was made by them," Erviti clarified. "They have been great riders, with the ability to perform well until the end of their careers... I am very grateful for all their effort."

On the racing side, Erviti gave an update on Spanish leader Carlos Rodríguez. After a solid winter training block in Tenerife, Rodríguez is ready to start his season. His schedule includes the Tour de la Provence, Paris-Nice, and the Volta a Catalunya.

"Carlos is quite well," Erviti confirmed. "He is on the long list of riders for the Tour de France and, possibly, he will also be at La Vuelta. However, this is sport, everything varies... plans have to be taken with caution."

However, the team is dealing with some bad luck elsewhere. Óscar Rodríguez crashed on New Year's Eve and needed surgery. "He is already doing rehabilitation and taking small steps, but we still cannot announce a return date," Erviti admitted. "The important thing when you are injured is to have peace of mind and do things right, since we cyclists are anxious people."