INEOS Grenadiers renews 5 riders - British team secures its future for 2026 season

INEOS Grenadiers have announced the renewal of five riders: Michal Kwiatkowski, Ben Swift, Lucas Hamilton, Brandon Rivera and Kim Heiduk. As the team gather in Spain for its first training camp towards 2026, they have signed several contracts, some of which for riders whose delay in the renewal was sparking quite a lot of surprise.

“It’s brilliant to have these five lads continue with us. They all bring something a bit different and they’ll be key to what we want to do next season," the team's new director of racing Geraint Thomas said in a press release. “With Kwiato, he’s been part of the biggest victories in the team both on a personal level and also in a supporting role, so keeping him involved and having his experience in the rider group is hugely beneficial.

With this, all riders that were signed this season have their future decided, with Michael Leonard being the only one signed by a rival team - EF Education-EasyPost. Geraint Thomas, Caleb Ewan, Omar Fraile, Jonathan Castroviejo and Salvatore Puccio have retired. These five specific riders had been singled out almost a month ago in one of our publications, and there were questions about their stay in the team due to the delay in procedures. However this Thursday the team confirmed all five are staying in the British team's colours.

“Kim and Brandon have come on loads since joining the team. They’re just so solid - it doesn’t matter what the race is, they go there, are good and give their absolute best. Lucas only joined last year, but he’s a great character to have around with a typical Aussie spirit which we’ve always had to some extent over the years. He had a really strong Giro, impressed across a range of other stage races and will have plenty to contribute in the coming seasons".

Thomas shares some special affection for Ben Swift, who goes on for yet another season in the peloton. “And then there’s Swifty. He’s the elder statesman now, but last season he proved exactly why experience counts. He did a bit of everything, across loads of races, and every single time he was just rock solid. Swifty sets the tone for the younger lads coming through and will play a big part in helping them get to know what bike racing is all about.”

“It feels natural to stay. I love the atmosphere, the people and the way we work. I’m not here to stay in my comfort zone, I’m here because this is where I push myself every day. I feel joy when things go well and I feel supported when they don’t. That’s cycling - one day you’re on top of the world, the next you’re fighting through a tough moment. It’s been an amazing journey so far, but it’s not over yet.

“This team has been my home for so many years, and I still feel the same hunger and motivation every time I pin on a number. What keeps me here is the people, the trust and the shared ambition to keep performing at the highest level.”

“This team has been such a big part of my life and to head into an 18th season as a pro is fantastic. I still love the racing, the camaraderie and the purpose we all share. It’s a privilege to help guide the younger riders and play my part in the next chapter of the Grenadiers.

“Our team is on a real upward trajectory and I am looking forward to playing a role in that progression. I can’t wait to kick off the 2026 season and to get racing.”

“I’m really happy to be extending with the team. After a year, it genuinely feels like home - great people and great environment. I believe in the direction the team is heading and I’m excited to be part of that journey.”

“I’m really happy to extend my contract. I feel at home here, it really does feel like a family. I’ve learned so much since joining the Grenadiers and having the trust of the team for the next step in my career means a huge amount. I’m motivated to keep helping our leaders and to show my own progression in the biggest races.”

“Every season with this team feels like a new opportunity to grow and give my best. I’m proud to be part of this family and to support my teammates in achieving our big goals together.”