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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.

"This team has been my home since day one, and stepping into this role feels like a natural next step," Thomas said.

This appointment for Thomas, the 2018 Tour de France champion, was widely expected and follows a major management reshuffle at Ineos Grenadiers.

According to Ineos, 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 contributing key insights on competition planning, talent acquisition, athlete growth and preparation for events.

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 brings a blend 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 mission of winning Grand Tours again," Thomas expressed.

The Welshman’s guile, experience and knowledge of the peloton 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.

Ex-team boss Dave Brailsford, back at the Tour de France, admitted last July that he had "a lot of catching up to do" following his sojourn at 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 Remco Evenepoel.

"Ineos are not where they want to be, nor where they need to be and the gap is not small," aerodynamics guru Dan Bigham said, after announcing he was leaving the team in 2024.

Thomas’ new position was first mooted in 2024 when he told media outlets that the squad's leadership resembled a "coalition government".

He noted that "things were clearer with Dave in charge. Everything was well-defined."

The longstanding professional bond with the Welshman played a vital role in bringing him onboard.

"Geraint knows what the process takes, how to deal with the highs and lows of elite sport and his eagerness to pass this on and guide other riders represents a major plus for the squad," Brailsford said.