The Ineos Grenadiers are shaking things up with a bold move, appointing two renowned cyclists as sports directors! But this transition isn’t without its twists and turns. Here’s the scoop:
In a significant development, the Ineos Grenadiers have announced that Elia Viviani, an Olympic gold medalist and former team rider, and Daryl Impey, a cycling legend in his own right, will step into the role of sports directors for the 2025-2026 season. This news follows the recent appointment of Geraint Thomas as the Head of Racing, adding another layer of intrigue to the team’s leadership.
The cycling world was already buzzing after Thomas’ promotion and the departure of sports directors Zak Dempster and Oli Cookson to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. But the story doesn’t end there. Impey, a former Tour de France leader and stage winner, retired in 2023 and later joined Israel-Premier Tech as a sports director. Now, he’s set to bring his expertise back to Ineos.
Viviani, a fellow Olympic gold medalist on the track, also hung up his wheels at the end of 2025. Having ridden for Sky and Ineos, he shares a deep connection with the team. In his own words, Viviani expressed his excitement: “Returning to the team that felt like home is thrilling, and I’m eager to support the riders and contribute my knowledge.”
Impey, who has a history of racing against and alongside Ineos Grenadiers staff, added, “It’s a unique opportunity to work with Geraint again, having been teammates early in our careers.”
And there you have it—a fascinating evolution of a cycling team’s leadership. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a strategic masterstroke or a risky gamble? Will the fresh perspectives of Viviani and Impey propel the team to new heights, or will their lack of coaching experience prove challenging? The cycling community is abuzz with speculation. What’s your take? Share your thoughts in the comments below!