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Ineos Grenadiers have named Geraint Thomas as their new racing director, just weeks after ending his racing career at this year’s Tour of Britain.

"I've called this team home from the very beginning, and stepping into this role feels like a natural next step," Thomas stated.

This appointment for Thomas, who was Tour de France winner in 2018, has been long-anticipated and follows a major management reshuffle at Ineos Grenadiers.

According to Ineos, Thomas’ freshly established senior position will see him collaborating directly alongside Ineos head of sport Dave Brailsford and performance director Scott Drawer.

His responsibilities will include contributing key insights on competition planning, rider recruitment, development and preparation for events.

Thomas, who last finished on a Grand Tour podium at the 2024 Giro d'Italia, placed third to Tadej Pogacar and participated in the latest Tour de France.

He offers a mix of multi-day events and single-day competition knowledge.

"I'm eager to support emerging talent, to pass on that experience and drive the squad ahead towards our goal of Grand Tour victories," Thomas commented.

The Welshman’s guile, years in the sport and understanding of the pack will plug a gap in expertise that was apparent in recent seasons.

The squad found it hard to challenge for top spots in Grand Tours in the past few seasons.

Former Grenadiers team principal Dave Brailsford, making his return to the Tour de France, admitted last July that he had "a lot of catching up to do" after his time with Manchester United.

Ineos Grenadiers have not won a Grand Tour since 2021 and the previously leading outfit has been criticised by Thomas himself and former staff.

They noted the team was falling behind four-time Tour champion Tadej Pogacar and his rivals, Vingegaard and Evenepoel.

"Ineos are not where they want to be, and not where it must be and the gap is not small," performance expert Dan Bigham remarked, after announcing he was leaving the team in 2024.

Thomas’ recent appointment was initially discussed last year when he shared with reporters that the team’s management was “like a coalition government”.

He noted that "it was a lot more straightforward with Dave at the top. There was clarity with everything."

Brailsford’s long-standing working relationship with the Welshman has been key to his recruitment.

"Geraint understands what's required, how to handle the ups and downs of top-level competition and his willingness to now share this and guide other riders is a great asset for the team," Brailsford affirmed.