"INEOS was a team that wanted to win all three Grand Tours, and now a stage in Paris-Nice is a big success” – Bradley Wiggins weighs in on new look INEOS Grenadiers
Cycling
Bradley Wiggins, the 2012 Tour de France winner, has been
reflecting on some of the biggest storylines in cycling so far this season.
While his former team, now known as INEOS Grenadiers, endured a challenging
2024, they have made a stronger start to 2025. However, Wiggins believes their definition
of success has changed dramatically over the years.
Speaking on the On The Move podcast, Wiggins shared
his thoughts on Tom Pidcock’s move away from INEOS, suggesting that the young
Brit is growing into a leadership role.
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"I've been impressed with Tom since he left INEOS. He
looks much more mature, like he can handle the responsibility now,"
Wiggins said. "I saw the interview where he said he let Ayuso ride. That
was probably a bit of a surprise, but it's better than he's done in the past.
If he can keep that focus going into the Giro, he can get on the podium
there."
Pidcock’s departure from INEOS was one of the biggest
off-season moves, and Wiggins’ comments suggest he sees real development in the
young rider. With the Giro d’Italia now potentially on Pidcock’s radar, Wiggins
believes a podium finish is within reach if he maintains this level of
composure and decision-making.
Wiggins was also struck by the reaction within INEOS after
their stage win at Paris-Nice, a team that was once expected to dominate Grand
Tours.
"INEOS was a team that wanted to win all three Grand
Tours, and now a stage in Paris-Nice is a big success. Just like Manchester
United. The whole perception of success has changed, as if it were a French
team: winning a stage in Paris-Nice. A few years ago they didn't even go for
that. That's strange, with the budget, the riders, and the structure they
have."
His comparison to Manchester United reflects how INEOS'
dominance has faded, from a team that once set the bar for success, to one that
now celebrates individual stage wins rather than Grand Tour victories. The
shift in expectations is notable given the resources and talent the team still
possesses.
Another rider who has caught Wiggins' eye is Filippo Ganna,
who delivered a standout performance at Tirreno-Adriatico. Wiggins sees Ganna
as part of a new wave of riders, comparing him to Mads Pedersen, versatile,
powerful, and breaking the mould of traditional specialists.
"Ganna is part of a new breed, just like Pedersen.
That's something completely different from what I did, or in Johan's times.
They are such good athletes, who despite their weight can actually do
anything."
With Milano-Sanremo approaching, Wiggins acknowledged the predictability
of attacks from Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel, but suggested that
Ganna and others will need to find a different approach to challenge the
overwhelming favourites.
"They know where Van der Poel and Pogacar are going to
attack, but they still have to try something different."
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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