"We are in a pretty decent position" - INEOS think of game-plan ahead of decisive Alpine stages

INEOS Grenadiers are heading into the second week with three riders in the fight for the overall classification, and are on track to employ their climbing depth strategy. Having so far a consistent and conservative approach to the race, the British team keep many weapons in reserve for the mountains.

“I’m sure Steve [Cummings] will come up with his game plan now, I think we are in a pretty decent position. I think these three lads will be pretty happy with that," Ellingworth said at the end of stage nine. With Daniel Martínez having lost contact with the GC fight, the team still remains solid in the Top10 with third, fourth and seventh spot.

Those come from Geraint Thomas, Adam Yates and Tom Pidcock respectively who have so far avoided major mishaps in the race, aswell as significant time losses and all remain very valid options for the podium and Top5 fight. INEOS find themselves in a position where if they want to go for the Tour win they must attack, however they have the riders to stay conservative for the time being if they want to keep their possibilities of attacking the higher spots alive.

Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard seem for the time being the overwhelming strongest climbers in the race, and the British team's tactics may take that into consideration when discussing goals. A current place in the podium with Geraint Thomas is likely something the team doesn't want to loose, and currently the possibilities of having a stronger result are very low - although much can happen in two weeks.

As for Pidcock, who will be heading to new grounds having a GC tilt at a Grand Tour, Ellingworth commented: “The thing with Tom is that it’s a bit the land of the unknown after the first rest day so we don’t know what we’re going to get. It’s just about experience with him," he said. The British multi-talented rider is not unknown to thrive in the high mountains, however at such a level it will be the first time he will be up against such names.