Ineos Grenadiers marked a significant turning point at the Paris-Nice race last week, continuing to rebound from a challenging 2024 season with a performance that highlighted the team’s resilience and renewed mentality.
The British team entered the prestigious Race to the Sun with a clear determination, putting the troubles of the previous year behind them. Throughout the race, Ineos made an aggressive push, positioning riders such as Tobias Foss and Josh Tarling in the hunt for stage wins. The result was a solid performance, securing the victory in the overall team classification, a third-place finish for Thymen Arensman, and a stage win in Nice from Magnus Sheffield.
Ineos sports director Oli Cookson praised the team’s “young and hungry” riders for their determination and hunger for success. “All of the team are in solid, solid shape and were hungry for this,” Cookson said. “The whole peloton has suffered all week in the weather, and our guys have been warriors. Magnus’ performance was particularly impressive, especially considering he lives nearby and knows the roads well, but we had a solid plan, and it all came together.”
The team’s strong performance this year had begun with Egan Bernal’s victories in both the road race and time trial at the Colombian national championships, followed by Michał Kwiatkowski’s victory at the Clásica Jaén in Spain—marking Ineos’ first pro win in 226 days.
“We’ve got momentum now,” Sheffield said after his victory. “When one guy wins, it sets off a chain reaction. It’s about the team culture. We have a motto in the team—‘all in’—and today, especially, was a testament to that. We were all in for each other.”
Josh Tarling echoed Sheffield’s sentiments, emphasizing the renewed focus and belief within the team. “There’s been a lot of talk last year about changing the mentality, but this year, it’s been all about action,” Tarling explained. “You can feel it. Everybody’s motivated, and there’s a strong belief that it’s going to work.”
Ineos Grenadiers’ team dynamics have been reshaped in recent years, especially following a turbulent 2024, which saw the departure of key figures and internal changes. Last year’s Tour de France revealed strains in the team’s setup, with some members, including Geraint Thomas, comparing it to a “coalition government.” Dan Bigham also left the team, suggesting disagreements with performance director Scott Drawer.
However, Tarling believes those challenges are behind them. “The coaching styles have really changed,” he said. “Training camps used to be about surviving, but now they’re more like a gathering. It’s been a positive change.”
Cookson also addressed the shifts in leadership, emphasizing the clarity and open communication within the team. “We have a clear idea of how we’re racing this year. We’ve worked closely with the riders and performance group on our approach,” he said. “The riders are enjoying racing again, and that’s key. They’re going out with a buzz, a fighting spirit, and a belief that they can control a race and create scenarios that will lead to success.”
The revamped mentality and solid performances have set a promising tone for the months ahead, as Ineos Grenadiers look to build on their momentum and continue their strong start to the season.
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