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Geraint Thomas has been appointed as the new director of racing at Ineos Grenadiers, just weeks after retiring from competition at this year’s Tour of Britain.

"This team has been my home since day one, and taking on this position is a logical progression," 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.

As per the team's announcement, Thomas’ freshly established senior position will see him collaborating directly alongside Ineos sports chief Dave Brailsford and performance director Scott Drawer.

His responsibilities will include providing crucial input into competition planning, rider recruitment, athlete growth and race readiness.

Thomas, most recently podiumed in a Grand Tour at the 2024 Giro, placed third to Tadej Pogacar and participated in the latest Tour de France.

He offers a mix of stage racing and one-day racing experience.

"I'm eager to support emerging talent, to pass on that experience and keep pushing the team forward towards our goal of Grand Tour victories," Thomas expressed.

His tactical intelligence, experience and understanding of the pack will fill a void in know-how that had become evident lately.

The squad found it hard to challenge for top spots in Grand Tours in recent years.

Former Grenadiers team principal Dave Brailsford, making his return to the Tour de France, admitted last July that he had "much ground to make up" after his time with Manchester United.

Ineos Grenadiers last claimed a Grand Tour victory in 2021 and the previously leading outfit has been criticised by Thomas himself and former staff.

They noted the team was lagging 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, following his 2024 departure announcement.

Thomas’ recent appointment was first mooted in 2024 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 Thomas has been key to his recruitment.

"Geraint knows what the process takes, how to handle the ups and downs of top-level competition and his eagerness to pass this on and mentor others is a great asset for the team," Brailsford said.