"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."
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- How many grand tours did Vlaeminck enter/finish let alone win? This article gives "old man yells at cloud" vibesPedalmasher28-03-2025
- I think Hinault is right: Pogacar is the first rider since he and Merckx who can win such a wide variety of races with such audacity and verve. I hope by the time he is done, Pog is widely acknowledged at the greatest of all time. Unlike Merckx and Hinault who were (probably necessarily in their era) pretty unpleasant characters, Pog is a cool, refreshingly humble guy who routinely thanks his teammates after they've taken their last bleedout pull for the day, gives bottles to little kids in the middle of a solo breakaway, walks around and congratulates his competitors at the finish, win or lose. There will always be those within the peloton and fanbase who resent his success, but he seems genuinely well-liked. He seems like the antidote to past other dominant champions who still inspire bitterness or disappointment. That said, Paris-Roubaix is a race that is both dangerous and requires a lot of specialized experience. I hope he stays upright.
Barney28-03-2025 - The only one that can make it happen is the rider himself. I was just happy to hear some words of encouragement rather than another old man shouting 'get off of my lawn' moment.
santiagobenites28-03-2025 - Agree, but just putting it in his head isn’t going to make it happen, or did he doubt himself too much during his 5 MSR attempts? Didn’t look like it.Jumpyjohn28-03-2025
- Marketing for dummiesJumpyjohn28-03-2025
- It's very refreshing and a welcome change of pace to hear a legend from the past share some positive and encouraging words to the now generation for a change. Thank you, Bernard Hinault.santiagobenites28-03-2025
- And you know this how? Proof?frieders328-03-2025
- This guy lives his live in the past, must be fun for his grandkids.JoostMehrtens27-03-2025
- It’s also no longer allowed. It was crazy back then, almost 200 race days in a year sometimes.Mistermaumau27-03-2025
- Well said. It’s tough to compare across erasmobk27-03-2025