In an intense week in Manchester, the Ineos Grenadiers gathered their entire team of 30 riders and 90 staff to reset and prepare for the challenges ahead in 2025. This annual “November Camp” offered the team a unique chance to regroup, reflect on the struggles of the past season, and devise a plan for future success.
The team published scenes from the camp, including awards night and a visit to Manchester United’s training grounds, alongside key speeches from CEO John Allert and consultant psychiatrist Steve Peeters. Reflecting on the camp, the team shared, “It’s the only opportunity we have in the season for our entire team to all be together. An important time to reflect, have fun and reset with a firm focus on 2025.”
The 2024 season was a challenging one for Ineos Grenadiers, as they managed only 14 wins across the year. Notable achievements included Geraint Thomas’ third place at the Giro d’Italia and Carlos Rodriguez’s Tour de Romandie victory, but these successes felt modest compared to their main rivals, such as UAE Team Emirates and Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, who continued to dominate.
Performance Director Scott Drawer, appointed in early 2024, has spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul, aiming to revitalise the squad. “Scott has conducted a thorough review of every element of performance with his trademark energy and focus. He has come up with a clear plan and the decisive changes needed to set us up for success in the coming years,” said Allert, pointing to a clear commitment to revitalising the team’s infrastructure and approach.
Photo Credit: Ineos GrenadiersTo support this restructure, new roles and experts were introduced. Kurt Asle Arvesen joined as lead Sport Director, with Leonardo Basso stepping into a Directeur Sportif position. Tom Helleman, a respected coach from Team DSM-firmenich, is the new Lead Performance Coach, while Dr Mehdi Kordi has been appointed Head of Performance Support and Innovation, bringing his expertise from leading the Dutch track team to Olympic success.
Dr Billy Fitton was brought in from British Cycling to head engineering and technology, replacing Dan Bigham, who transitioned to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. “How I want to do performance is not particularly aligned with how Ineos wanted to go about it,” said Bigham in his exit, acknowledging the divergence in approach. Meanwhile, Head Mechanic Diego Costa also departed, with Danish mechanic Rune Kristensen confirming that around 30 new staff had joined the team at the camp.
The atmosphere was one of determination, with Kristensen sharing his views with Ekstra Bladet: “It’s no secret that it hasn’t worked 100 per cent this year. But I think our management has taken the time to look at what should be replaced instead of panicking in the middle of the season. So they’re getting it under control now.” Despite the departures, he noted a positive outlook within the squad, adding, “Although it has been a crap season, there has actually been a good atmosphere, and people are motivated to do some good work. We have a really good group of people.”
Photo Credit: Ineos GrenadiersThe camp also marked significant changes in the rider roster for 2025. Ethan Hayter and Jhonatan Narváez moved on, with Luke Rowe retiring to join Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale as a directeur sportif. New riders include Axel Laurance, Lucas Hamilton, Bob Jungels, Samuel Watson, Victor Langellotti, and Peter Øxenberg, indicating a fresh approach for the upcoming season.
Reflecting on his first months with the team, Drawer shared, “I’ve spent six months listening, observing, and working with the team to determine what’s needed to set ourselves up for excellence for 2025 and beyond. We have a highly motivated, hungry and ambitious team of coaches, sport directors and performance specialists who want to create an environment that allows our riders to fulfil their potential.”
The newly structured team will focus on three performance streams: stage racing, Classics, and developing future talent. This clarity of purpose, combined with new coaching specialisations in sprinting, endurance, and race strategy, has instilled optimism among the team and management alike.
