INEOS Grenadiers confirm partnership with German continental team for development squad

As the INEOS Grenadiers look to reverse their recent struggles, the British-based team are setting up a development squad for the first time. This has now been officially confirmed by INEOS in partnership with German continental team, Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank.

"This new partnership will supplement the team’s existing internal ‘Ascent’ development programme which has already identified young talent and provided bespoke development support to riders including Josh Tarling, AJ August and Michael Leonard," explains an announcement by the INEOS Grenadiers' official website. "The 2025 season will see the Grenadiers expand the Ascent programme, and this partnership will be an important part of the work to develop and prepare young riders for racing at WorldTour level."

“Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank provides an outstanding competitive environment which will give our youngest riders valuable racing experience," adds INEOS Grenadiers’ Performance Director, Scott Drawer. “Key riders will be selected and placed with the Lotto Kern-Haus team while still being coached and supported by INEOS Grenadiers staff. We see this as a ‘finishing school’ for young talent before their transition to the WorldTour, akin to that of a loan club in professional football. The management and staff at Lotto Kern-Haus have really impressed us and we trust that this is going to be a fruitful and key partnership for the future."

For both parties this can be a beneficial move insists Torsten Schmidt, Head of Sport at Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank. “One of the best jobs in cycling is to help and support young cyclists at the start of their careers. In my past as a Sport Director in the WorldTour, I have managed to do this several times and I still have a strong connection with many of these athletes," he says. “The trust in our partnership is also reinforced by the meetings we have held so far, where I have been pleased to see that everyone involved shares the same perspective and motivation.”

Even the continental team's owner expressed his delight at the deal. “It is a very important step for the team to have a development partnership with a World Tour team like the INEOS Grenadiers," concludes Florian Monreal. “They are one of the world's best WorldTour teams and it is an honour and recognition for the very good work we have been doing over the years. Thanks to our network and various collaborations, we always have very good talent in the team and the racing calendar is at an absolutely top level. Working with young, motivated riders in the most important U23 races is a lot of fun and it's always great to see these talents then move on to the WorldTour.”