INEOS Grenadiers mechanic reveals details from within the team: "A lot of them still talk about the Team Sky days"
Cycling
It’s safe to say INEOS are undergoing one of their most
challenging periods. After a 2024 filled with disappointment, the off season so
far has been filled with transfer rumours, and managerial changes. Just yesterday,
we reported Chris Froome’s belief that the INEOS Grenadiers are an entirely different
team to Team Sky, where he dominated grand tours in the 2010s.
One team mechanic, Rune Kristensen, recently spoke to Ekstra
Bladet about his experience working for the team, and he explained the magnitude
of the current change. “During our team outing in Manchester, all the newcomers
had to stand up during dinner. I think six or seven riders stood up, but maybe
thirty members of staff.”
Read also
In any sporting scenario, or in fact any working scenario,
that much managerial change could spell trouble. But maybe, this is necessary
to fix the underperforming INEOS Grenadiers.
“A lot of people left because they didn't believe that this
team could do better and that new things were good. A lot of them still talk
about the Team Sky days. One of the reasons we're getting beat now is because
other teams have figured out how to beat Team Sky. It's not cool when people
get fired, but in top-level sport it's part of it. It could happen to me one
day.”
Despite this, Kristensen remains adamant that the atmosphere
within the team is strong, and they are working to turn around their form next
season. “The atmosphere in the team has always been one of the best, it
is a very good group. I think the team is also in the right place for next
year.
"It has not worked this season, but the management has not panicked and is
now back in control. I do not pay too much attention to all the stories,
because I feel good here. There is clearly something going on, but for me it
does not matter whether I work for Tom Pidcock or Carlos Rodriguez.”
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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