2024 has been a challenging year for
INEOS Grenadiers. Known
for their dominance in the cycling world during the 2010s, the team experienced
a season that highlighted the need for internal restructuring, recalibration,
and a push for renewed ambition. In a move to shift their performance
trajectory,
INEOS Grenadiers have embarked on a significant reshuffle of their
backroom staff, positioning themselves to tackle the future with a fresh
outlook.
Among the new appointments, the team has brought in Dr.
Billy Fitton as the new head of engineering and technology. Dr. Fitton joins
the World Tour squad with a solid background, having spent the past six years
at British Cycling, where he served as the national squad’s data and insights
lead. His expertise will be instrumental as the team seeks to leverage
cutting-edge equipment and enhance rider performance through a rigorous
technological approach.
A
team statement outlined Fitton’s focus: “He will lead the
team’s equipment testing and rider-technology integration through modelling and
simulation approaches.” His role is set to be pivotal as INEOS Grenadiers look
to maximise performance through advanced analytics and rider-technology
integration. Fitton’s arrival follows a series of new hires and the departure
of former race engineer Dan Bigham, who left the team to join Red-Bull-Bora
Hansgrohe.
Perhaps the most striking indicator of the team’s recent
challenges was their lacklustre performance in the 2024 Tour de France, where
they failed to secure a single stage victory. This underwhelming outcome marks
a stark contrast to the team’s former dominance, especially in the 2010s, when
they frequently commanded the peloton with ease.
Performance Director Scott Drawer, has expressed optimism
about the team’s ongoing transformation. “We have a highly motivated, hungry
and ambitious team of coaches, sport directors and performance specialists who
want to create an environment that allows our riders to fulfil their potential.
That collective energy and desire will set us up for the challenges and
opportunities that await in 2025,” he stated, underscoring the team’s
commitment to fostering a culture of growth and success.
Drawer highlighted the team's strategic focus for the
remainder of the year, outlining plans to set performance objectives, carry out
key training camps, and engage the team fully in preparation for the coming
season. “We are going to spend the rest of this year making further positive
changes: setting the team’s performance plans and goals, executing some key
training camps and getting the whole team ready to race hard in January. We
want to set the right tone from the start and will be working closely with our
riders to establish the culture which will facilitate success and be
fundamental to our future,” he added.
As INEOS Grenadiers recalibrate and set their sights on
2025, the hope is that these changes will revive the team’s competitive edge.
With new talent in their engineering and performance divisions, the squad is
building a solid foundation designed to rekindle their past glories. The
upcoming season will test the effectiveness of these transitions as the team
seeks to reclaim its position among cycling’s elite.
The changes at INEOS Grenadiers reflect a team striving not
just to adapt but to excel in an ever-evolving sport. The world will be
watching to see if this reinvigorated setup can once again propel them to the
forefront of professional cycling.