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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.

This appointment for Thomas, who was Tour de France winner in 2018, has been long-anticipated and comes after a significant leadership overhaul at Ineos Grenadiers.

As per the team's announcement, 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 providing crucial input into competition planning, talent acquisition, development and preparation for events.

Thomas, most recently podiumed in a Grand Tour at the 2024 Giro, finished third behind Tadej Pogacar and participated in the latest Tour de France.

He brings a blend of multi-day events and one-day racing experience.

"I'm eager to support emerging talent, to share my know-how and keep pushing the team forward towards our mission of winning Grand Tours again," Thomas expressed.

The Welshman’s guile, years in the sport and knowledge of the peloton will fill a void in know-how that was apparent in recent seasons.

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

Former Grenadiers team principal 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 have not won a Grand Tour since 2021 and the once-dominant team has been criticised by Thomas himself and ex-team members.

They noted the team was falling behind four-time Tour champion Tadej Pogacar and his rivals, Jonas Vingegaard and Evenepoel.

"Ineos are not where they want to be, nor where they need to be and the gap is not small," performance expert Dan Bigham said, following his 2024 departure announcement.

Thomas’ recent appointment was first mooted in 2024 when he shared with reporters that the team’s management was “like a coalition government”.

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

Brailsford’s long-standing working relationship with the Welshman has been key to his recruitment.

"Geraint understands what's required, how to deal with the highs and lows of elite sport and his willingness to now share this and mentor others represents a major plus for the squad," Brailsford said.