Geraint Thomas is shut to signing a deal extension at Ineos Grenadiers with the last information to be ironed out in the coming days, according to Cyclingnews sources.
In the meantime, Roger Hammond, at present General performance Director at Bahrain Victorious, has told Cyclingnews that he is ‘mulling’ in excess of an offer you to join Ineos Grenadiers in a transfer that would reunite him with Rod Ellingworth.
Thomas, who is out of agreement at the close of the latest campaign, drew curiosity from quite a few other squads, with Cofidis and Qhubeka NextHash both of those linked to the 2018 Tour de France winner.
Cofidis’ supervisor Cedric Vasseur would afterwards distance himself and his group from signing Thomas, but Qhubeka had been constantly rumoured to have offered Thomas a agreement as his Ineos Grenadiers negotiations developed. The survival of Qhubeka outside of this yr is however in concern because of to a lack of vital sponsors.
Ineos had hoped Thomas would remain, both of those mainly because of his excellent and pedigree as a rider but also for the reason that of his ‘ambassador’ position, according to Rod Ellingworth.
In August Ellingworth admitted that Ineos would not be capable to match a substantial provide from a rival staff, telling Cyclingnews that: “There are conversations going on and I’ve experimented with to give him personal assist, in particular immediately after the tough time that he’s had but we’re conversing to him and it is ongoing, but if there’s substantial supply then there is no way we’d be capable to hold him. We just require to be realistic.
“There’s quite a lot likely on all-around rider recruitment, and not just for subsequent year but also for the coming yrs after that. There are a couple of areas for us to work on.”
Thomas has been on the market right before and previously drew serious curiosity with Trek-Segafredo a handful of a long time in the past. The American group were not tempted to make an provide this time.
In accordance to a Cyclingnews supply ‘just the I’s and the T’s need to be crossed’ with regards to Thomas’ new offer at Ineos Grenadiers.
35-calendar year-previous Thomas been with Ineos Grenadiers, earlier acknowledged as Group Sky, due to the fact the British team’s first year in 2010.
The crew has signed a raft of younger riders for 2022 with Luke Plapp, Ben Tulett, and Magnus Sheffield all joining on lengthy-phrase contracts.
The team are also in the midst of a managerial overhaul with head mentor Tim Kerrison confirmed to leave at the finish of the calendar calendar year. Remaining decisions have nonetheless to be declared, but Dave Brailsford is also rumoured to be stepping into a extra central function at Ineos Sports activities, whilst Ellingworth will take on more obligation with regards to the biking group.
The administration restructure could also see Hammond be part of right after investing a calendar year at Bahrain Victorious. The former professional rider has worked with a number of main groups and joined Bahrain just in advance of Ellingworth created the change back again to Ineos at the start off of 2021.
Presently, on holiday break in Scotland, Hammond instructed Cyclingnews that he experienced not signed a agreement yet but that he had a alternative to make among delivers from his current group and Ineos.
“I’ve not signed something nonetheless and I’m still mulling things above,” Hammond mentioned.
“I’ve experienced the luxurious of a several offers this yr really. The group has been rather profitable and people are keen to find out from unique people today at profitable teams. There are a handful of distinctive selections and it’s a pleasant location to be this wintertime presented the ecosystem. But I’m however under agreement, nonetheless speaking and nevertheless mulling points in excess of.”
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