"The focus will not be on the GC as much as before" - New INEOS sports director lays out plan for success going forward
Cycling
2024 has been an alarming year for fans of the INEOS Grenadiers. Already no longer the powerhouse of the peloton they once were, this year the British-based team have slipped even further down the totem poll, whilst behind the scenes dramas have leaked into public consciousness, creating much cause for concern.
Going forward, the INEOS Grenadiers have attempted to hit the reset button ahead of 2025, changing up the performance staff structure of the team and even reportedly opting to finally set up a developmental side for the next generation. One of those new names in charge of things is Kurt Asle Arvesen. The Norwegian was present at the birth of Team Sky in the early 2010s and most recently worked as a sports director at the Uno-X Mobility lineup.
Speaking in conversation with TV2, Arvesen has now gone someway to explain how the INEOS Grenadiers plan to arrest their slide and get back to the very top of the World Tour. "As I have understood it, based on the conversations we have had, the focus will not be on the overall classification as much as before, but instead on going after stage wins and one-day races," the Norwegian comments, hinting at a complete change in the typical plan of action from the British-based team.
Since the formation of Team Sky and the name change to the INEOS Grenadiers, the general classification has been the clear priority. Grand Tour wins at the Tour de France, the Vuelta a Espana and the Giro d'Italia through notable names such as Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas, Egan Bernal and Tao Geoghegan Hart, have been the highlights but lesser stage race successes and Grand Tour podiums have been aplenty.
A switch to one day and stage successes is likely to be a welcome one due to the lack of a true Grand Tour contender in the squad currently, despite the high potential of the likes of Carlos Rodriguez and Thymen Arensman among others and the two Giro podiums in two years by Geraint Thomas. Whether the change can bring INEOS back to the top though? Only time will tell.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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The INEOS Grenadiers have announced structure and staff changes ahead of 2025, following a thorough review of the team’s performance operations. Find out more: ineosgrenadiers.com/news/new-staff…
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