Ineos Grenadiers have confirmed their fourth new recruit for the 2025 season, with young British rider Samuel Watson joining from Groupama-FDJ on a two-year deal. At 22, Watson joins Bob Jungels, Victor Langellotti, and Peter Øxenberg in committing to the British WorldTour team for next year and beyond. Additionally, 20-year-old US talent Artem Shmidt has already joined the team.
Watson began his professional career with the French squad last season after moving up from the Groupama-FDJ Continental team. Two years ago, he won Gent-Wevelgem U23, finished fifth at the elite Tro-Bro Léon, and took second behind Mark Cavendish at the British National Championships. This season, he secured his first professional victory with a late solo attack on the final stage of the Tour de Wallonie in July.
“Joining this team really is a dream come true and I’m beyond excited to start working together and see what we can achieve,” Watson said upon signing for Ineos Grenadiers. “As a young British kid watching other British riders in this team, it was really inspiring. To now join Ineos and ride alongside some of those big names – and to learn from them is really special. I truly believe this is the perfect environment to reach my full potential and learn from the amazing role models within the team. I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Ineos Grenadiers performance director Scott Drawer shared his excitement about Watson joining the team. He sees Watson focusing on the Spring Classics and one-week races once he joins.
“It’s great that another talented young British rider is joining our team. Sam’s still young but he has already demonstrated his talent at the highest level,” Drawer said. “We know that we’ll be able to offer him the best possible platform to take the important next steps in his career, and together we are excited to unlock his future potential. Sam’s profile and the range of capabilities will likely see him take a place in our Classics squad and feature in one-week races, where he has the skill to fight for wins in hard stages.”
Drawer also highlighted the team’s core of promising young riders, which includes Josh Tarling, Andrew August, and Magnus Sheffield. Senior riders in the squad will take on mentorship duties to guide the younger group.
“Our squad for 2025 is really taking shape, with a balance being struck between some of the most exciting young talents in the pro peloton being guided and mentored by the likes of Geraint Thomas, Ben Swift, Salvatore Puccio, Jonathan Castroviejo, along with fellow new signing, Bob Jungels.”
Main photo credit: Getty
