Geraint Thomas has been appointed director of racing by Ineos Grenadiers following his retirement from riding. He spent 15 years with the team formerly known as Team Sky.
What happened?
Geraint Thomas brought his racing career to a close at September's Tour of Britain, which finished in his home city, Cardiff.
Why it matters for Geraint Thomas
The Welshman won the 2018 Tour de France and had two more podium finishes at the event. He also won Paris-Nice in 2016 and the Criterium du Dauphine in 2018.
What comes next?
Thomas will work closely with team principal Dave Brailsford and performance director Scott Drawer, providing input into race strategy, rider recruitment, development and race readiness.
Geraint Thomas said: "This team has been my home since day one, and stepping into this role feels like a natural next step." He will help the team end their long wait for a grand tour win, having been overtaken in the peloton since their last victory at the 2021 Giro d'Italia.
The 39-year-old had a glittering road career, winning the famous yellow jersey and suffering heartbreak at the 2023 Giro d'Italia when he lost the overall lead on the final decisive time-trial, finishing second behind Primoz Roglic.
Dave Brailsford, the team principal, said: "Geraint typifies what it means to be a Grenadier. He has lived and breathed elite performance throughout his career." Thomas is also a two-time Olympic and three-time world champion in track cycling as part of Britain's team pursuit squad.
Thomas's appointment is a significant move for Ineos Grenadiers, who hope to regain their dominance in the peloton. With his expertise and experience, Thomas will play a key role in shaping the team's strategy and helping them achieve success in the future.
The team has not won a grand tour since the 2021 Giro d'Italia, and Thomas's appointment is seen as a major step towards ending that drought. He will bring his knowledge and expertise to the team, helping them to develop and improve their performance.
Geraint Thomas's new role is a natural progression for the former cyclist, who has spent his entire career with the team. He will now be able to share his experience and expertise with the team, helping them to achieve success in the future.
The Ineos Grenadiers team has a rich history of success, and Thomas's appointment is seen as a major step towards continuing that success. With his expertise and experience, Thomas will be able to help the team develop and improve their performance, and achieve their goals in the future.
Thomas's first major task will be to help the team prepare for the upcoming season, and to develop a strategy for achieving success in the grand tours. He will work closely with the team's riders and staff, using his expertise and experience to help them improve their performance.
The appointment of Geraint Thomas as director of racing is a significant move for Ineos Grenadiers, and one that is expected to have a major impact on the team's performance in the future. With his expertise and experience, Thomas will be able to help the team achieve success and regain their dominance in the peloton.