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Ineos Grenadiers have named Geraint Thomas as their new racing director, 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 said.

The move by Thomas, the 2018 Tour de France champion, has been long-anticipated and comes after a significant leadership overhaul at Ineos Grenadiers.

As per the team's announcement, Thomas’ newly created leadership role will see him working closely with Ineos sports chief Dave Brailsford and performance director Scott Drawer.

His responsibilities will include contributing key insights on race strategy, talent acquisition, athlete growth and race readiness.

Thomas, who last finished on a Grand Tour podium at the 2024 Giro d'Italia, finished third behind Tadej Pogacar and participated in the latest Tour de France.

He brings a blend of stage racing and single-day competition knowledge.

"I’m passionate about helping the next generation come through, to share my know-how and keep pushing the team forward towards our goal of Grand Tour victories," Thomas expressed.

The Welshman’s guile, experience and knowledge of the peloton will plug a gap in expertise that had become evident lately.

The British team struggled to compete for the podium positions in Grand Tours in recent years.

Ex-team boss Dave Brailsford, making his return to 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 have not won a Grand Tour since 2021 and the once-dominant team 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, Jonas 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 said, after announcing he was leaving the team in 2024.

Thomas’ new position was initially discussed last year when he shared with reporters that the squad's leadership resembled a "coalition government".

He noted that "it was a lot more straightforward with Dave at the top. There was clarity with everything."

The longstanding professional bond with Thomas has been key to his recruitment.

"Geraint understands what's required, how to deal with the highs and lows of elite sport and his eagerness to pass this on and mentor others represents a major plus for the squad," Brailsford affirmed.