"Return of Dave Brailsford, the 'not-so-secret weapon', greeted with enthusiasm by Ineos Grenadiers ahead of the Tour de France"
Sir Dave Brailsford, the renowned cycling mastermind, is making a significant return to the Ineos Grenadiers team for the 2024 Tour de France. After a brief absence to focus on the wider Ineos Sport group and his involvement with Manchester United FC, Brailsford is back to resume his key leadership role within the team [1][2].
Brailsford's return has been met with enthusiasm by Ineos Grenadiers, who describe him as a "not-so-secret weapon" due to his extensive knowledge of cycling, particularly in mountain stages, which are considered his "battlefield" [1][2]. His strategic direction and motivation are seen as crucial in the team's mission to recapture former Tour de France glories [1][2].
The team, which includes GC leader Carlos Rodriguez, Filippo Ganna, and British champion Sam Watson, is focusing on regaining dominance in the Tour de France, supported by the renewed sponsorship from TotalEnergies [2]. Brailsford's input is expected to sharpen their focus on mountainous terrain and race tactics [2].
The 2024 Tour will mark a transitional moment, with Geraint Thomas's final Tour appearance before moving into management—a process that Brailsford is likely helping to oversee and facilitate [2].
John Allert, the CEO of Ineos Grenadiers, has emphasised that Brailsford is actively involved in preparations and strategy discussions, indicating the team’s full intention to leverage his experience "to the fullest" [1][2].
Brailsford's return marks a strategic consolidation for Ineos, especially after a challenging 2024 season for the team and his own brief departure to football [3][4]. His leadership is expected to strengthen the team’s approach, particularly in mountain stages, which are critical to Tour success, and position Ineos Grenadiers to reclaim their place among cycling’s elite [1][2].
Ineos Grenadiers aim to be "brave and bold" in their approach to the race, with a focus on securing stage wins and a realistic approach to the general classification, centred around Carlos Rodríguez [2]. The team's journey in terms of attracting partners and riders is still ongoing, but Allert considers TotalEnergies' partnership with Ineos Grenadiers as industrially and sportingly helpful [2].
Dempster, the team's Director Sportif, believes that Ineos Grenadiers can take time in creative ways and have a chance in the general classification despite facing stronger competitors [2]. The team's late announcement of their Tour squad was due to last-minute decisions regarding illness and injury, but Brailsford was not the reason for the delay [2].
Sources: [1] BBC Sport (2024). Sir Dave Brailsford returns to Ineos Grenadiers for 2024 Tour de France. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/57308014 [2] Cycling Weekly (2024). Ineos Grenadiers Tour de France team and route revealed. [online] Available at: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/tour-de-france/ineos-grenadiers-tour-de-france-team-and-route-revealed-2024-369101 [3] The Guardian (2024). Sir Dave Brailsford returns to Ineos Grenadiers for 2024 Tour de France. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/apr/01/sir-dave-brailsford-returns-to-ineos-grenadiers-for-2024-tour-de-france [4] Cycling News (2024). Ineos Grenadiers announce Sir Dave Brailsford's return for 2024 Tour de France. [online] Available at: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/ineos-grenadiers-announce-sir-dave-brailsford-return-for-2024-tour-de-france/
Sir Dave Brailsford's extensive knowledge of mountain stages in cycling is often referred to as his "battlefield," and his return to Ineos Grenadiers is seen as a strategic move to strengthen their approach in these critical areas during the 2024 Tour de France. Furthermore, with Brailsford's input, Ineos Grenadiers are motivated to regain their dominance and position themselves among cycling's elite in the upcoming Tour de France.
