26 Aug 2020
INEOS Grenadiers launch ahead of Tour de France
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Team INEOS has today officially switched to being the INEOS Grenadiers at a launch event in Nice, ahead of the start of the Tour de France this weekend.
The team’s four Grand Tour winning champions, Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas, Egan Bernal and Richard Carapaz, unveiled the new team kit from Castelli and newly branded Pinarello DOGMA F12 at the Allianz Riviera, alongside two prototypes of the Grenadier vehicle which gives the team its new name. The Grenadier is the rugged 4x4 utility vehicle engineered and manufactured by INEOS Automotive, designed on purpose to be a highly capable, go-anywhere, hard-working vehicle.
The riders were introduced by Gabby Logan alongside other famous faces from the wider INEOS Sport family including Sir Ben Ainslie, Patrick Vieira, Valtteri Bottas and Eliud Kipchoge.
Sir Dave Brailsford
Just like the Grenadier, we are a team built on purpose. We know what we need to do and have the right team to get the job done.
INEOS Grenadiers Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford said: “The INEOS Grenadiers is a new name but one that sums up who we have always been. It is a new partnership but one that epitomises our existing team values - ambition, grit, determination, resourcefulness, tenacity and passion.
“This is a deepening of our relationship with INEOS and a brilliant example of how being a part of the INEOS group presents so many opportunities for us to be greater together.
“Just like the Grenadier, we are a team built on purpose. We know what we need to do and have the right team to get the job done. We are here with a clear ambition and are going all in to make it happen.”
Chris Froome, 4-time Tour de France winner, 2-time Vuelta a Espana winner and Giro d’Italia winner said: “It is fantastic to see a partnership which feels such a natural fit with a shared vision and outlook. Cycling is all about grit and resilience and I’ve learnt that more than ever over the last year. I can’t wait to lead the INEOS Grenadiers in Spain later this year.”
Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner, said: “I still remember being at the original team launch in London in 2010, so to be here a decade later, at the start of a new era for the team, is really special. I am looking forward to racing in the new INEOS Grenadiers colours at the Giro d’Italia and trying to secure another Grand Tour title for the team.”
Egan Bernal, the reigning Tour de France champion, said: “It is special to be riding the Tour de France as the INEOS Grenadiers for the first time. As the reigning champion, it will be different for me this year but I am really excited to be putting the number one on my jersey. We have a really strong team with a good combination of young riders and riders who have a lot of experience, and that is a really important thing for the Tour de France. We all have the same motivation and are ready to give it our all and go full gas.”
Richard Carapaz, the 2019 Giro d’Italia winner said: “It’s emotional for me to be at the start of this Grand Tour. It’s going to be a great experience and I’m also so proud to be the first Ecuadorian to participate in the Tour de France. Last year's win at the Giro d’Italia was very special for me personally but it was also special for my country. Cycling has never been popular in Ecuador and now this has all changed.”
Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner, said: “I still remember being at the original team launch in London in 2010, so to be here a decade later, at the start of a new era for the team, is really special. I am looking forward to racing in the new INEOS Grenadiers colours at the Giro d’Italia and trying to secure another Grand Tour title for the team.”
Egan Bernal, the reigning Tour de France champion, said: “It is special to be riding the Tour de France as the INEOS Grenadiers for the first time. As the reigning champion, it will be different for me this year but I am really excited to be putting the number one on my jersey. We have a really strong team with a good combination of young riders and riders who have a lot of experience, and that is a really important thing for the Tour de France. We all have the same motivation and are ready to give it our all and go full gas.”
Richard Carapaz, the 2019 Giro d’Italia winner said: “It’s emotional for me to be at the start of this Grand Tour. It’s going to be a great experience and I’m also so proud to be the first Ecuadorian to participate in the Tour de France. Last year's win at the Giro d’Italia was very special for me personally but it was also special for my country. Cycling has never been popular in Ecuador and now this has all changed.”
As part of the Grenadier’s ‘testing in plain sight’ program, the prototype has been brought to the Tour de France to launch the partnership with the INEOS Grenadiers and will now follow the team around the world as it completes the rigorous testing and development phase that needs to accumulate 1.8 million kilometres on and off-road over the coming year.
Mark Tennant, Commercial Director of INEOS Automotive said: “We’re delighted to announce this partnership, just like the Grenadier, the team is built on purpose. They know exactly what to do and have the right team to get the job done. We’re very proud to see Egan, Chris, Geraint, Richard and all the INEOS Grenadiers in the colours of Grenadier and wish them all the best in the upcoming races.”
Mark Tennant, Commercial Director of INEOS Automotive said: “We’re delighted to announce this partnership, just like the Grenadier, the team is built on purpose. They know exactly what to do and have the right team to get the job done. We’re very proud to see Egan, Chris, Geraint, Richard and all the INEOS Grenadiers in the colours of Grenadier and wish them all the best in the upcoming races.”
