Dave Brailsford’s Commitment to Cycling Remains Strong, Says New Ineos CEO

John Allert, the newly appointed chief executive of the Ineos Grenadiers, has dispelled rumors suggesting that Dave Brailsford has shifted his focus away from cycling to concentrate on his recent role at Manchester United.

Allert clarified that Brailsford, currently engaged in an audit of Manchester United following Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority stake acquisition, holds a job title that allows him to oversee various sports within the company’s portfolio.

“Dave is the founder of the team,” Allert stated. “It’s a privilege that we still have him accessible to the team. His role is director of Ineos Sport, so he clearly has responsibility across a variety of different sports, not just cycling.

“While Dave has a passion for and a proven track record in cycling, don’t be surprised to see him at a race. However, he won’t be attending races to scrutinize our performance. He’ll be there to support the team, as he does for all the teams.”

Addressing the team’s position as the challenger rather than the dominant force, Allert acknowledged the prolonged wait for another Tour de France victory and the emergence of formidable rivals like Jonas Vingegaard’s Visma-Lease A Bike team, which won all three Grand Tours in 2023.

“It’s put a different complexion on things,” Allert said. “We’ve clearly transitioned from one leadership to new leadership, and we’ve got an exciting rider group, making a good start to the season.”

Contrary to speculations, Allert dismissed claims of a reduced team budget, emphasizing that the budget remains fixed despite Ratcliffe’s expanded investments across the Ineos sports portfolio.

Allert, whose cycling reputation stems from his role as managing director of Ratcliffe’s team, will collaborate with the new performance director, Scott Drawer, formerly associated with Team GB.

“The person responsible for our sporting performance is a scientist, an innovator, a proven disruptor,” Allert commented. “While that alone won’t provide us with all the answers, we’re committed to leaving no stone unturned.”

Despite the departure of key talents at the end of the previous season, including Tao Geoghegan Hart, Allert expressed confidence in the 2024 Ineos Grenadiers, highlighting the presence of exceptional GC riders.

“We have a number of GC riders, experienced ones with two Tour winners, as well as phenomenal ‘next-gen’ riders. Our objectives are to get as close to the podium as possible in the Tour and any Grand Tour. Whether that’s this year or next remains to be seen, but we embrace the competition, hoping it makes us better.