Carlos Rodriguez will lead the INEOS Grenadiers’ eight-rider squad for the 112th edition of the Tour de France, which begins on Saturday, 5 July in Lille.
The exciting roster also features 2018 Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas who will be starting the 14th Tour of his career and his last before retiring at the end of the season.
The Grenadiers will be targeting stage victories and a strong general classification challenge across this year’s parcours, which features six high mountain stages and two individual time trials.
Dr. Scott Drawer, Performance Director, said: “We've selected a strong and experienced group of riders with the collective knowledge of how best to compete over three weeks, racing against the toughest competition in our sport. Carlos will be our leader, given his consistent climbing performances and his unwavering drive and resilience. He has been focussed on building towards the Tour all year and he is coming into the race in good form.
“Supporting Carlos is a group that's ridden multiple Tour de France editions and have the experience to handle whatever the race throws at us. Geraint, as a previous winner, with all his knowledge and his cool, calm head will be critical support to Carlos and the whole team, both on and off the bike.
“It’s going to be a very special edition of the Tour, with every single one of the 3338.8 kms battled out across French soil. As a team, we have been racing this season in the way we love - aggressively and with freedom and flair - and we are ready to bring more of the same to the biggest race of the year.”
“It’s never straightforward and always super-hard, but this year my approach will be as it always is - to give everything out on the road for the team to be as successful as possible."
Geraint Thomas
Carlos Rodriguez said: “It was a bit of a tough start to the season with the crash in February, but I recovered pretty quickly and have been building back ever since. The goal was always to line up at the Tour in July in my best form. Everything so far has gone to plan. I have managed to prepare well with some high-quality training and I have some good racing in the legs.
“Of course, it’s going to be a tough race against the best in the world but we will be coming out fighting and aim to be right up there at the front. It’s going to be an epic race and a real spectacle for the fans.”
Geraint Thomas said: “I’m really looking forward to my final Tour de France. It’ll be my 14th, which sounds mad, I never thought that when I first lined up for it back in 2007, I’d still be going. I’ve certainly had my ups and downs but it’s an amazing race; the biggest and best in the world, and my favourite.
“It’s never straightforward and always super-hard, but this year my approach will be as it always is - to give everything out on the road for the team to be as successful as possible. We’ll all have important roles to play and I will definitely be playing mine.
“I just can’t wait to get to Lille and into the spirit of what’s always a rollercoaster of an event. A three-week all-inclusive bike holiday around France, what’s not to like?!”
The Grenadiers line up:
- Thymen Arensman (25), Netherlands - with his climbing prowess and time trial skills, Arensman adds real strength and depth to the roster and will be invaluable support in the high mountains.
- Tobias Foss (27), Norway - the time trial specialist and stage rider has delivered consistent and strong performances throughout the season and will be playing a pivotal and versatile support role while looking to create and take any opportunities.
- Filippo Ganna (28), Italy - the powerhouse rider and time trial specialist has shown his form this season with a TT win and 2nd overall at Tirreno-Adriatico as well an impressive second at Milano-Sanremo where he narrowly missed out on victory to Mathieu van der Poel and beat Tadej Pogačar in an epic three-way sprint finish.
- Axel Laurance (24), France - the young French rider will be starting in his first Tour de France for the Grenadiers and will be looking for opportunities for stage wins as well as supporting the team’s GC ambitions.
- Carlos Rodriguez (24) Spain - the team’s leader is lining up for his third Tour de France following his seventh GC place in 2024. The young Spaniard bounced back quickly from his collarbone fracture in February and has been building his form and putting in solid performances, ready to be at his peak for the Tour.
- Connor Swift (29), Great Britain - the strong all-rounder is starting his 4th Tour de France and will be a solid support rider, providing versatility and strength in key moments.
- Geraint Thomas (39), Great Britain - Previous Tour winner, G is lining up for his 14th Tour de France for the team. Following a crash in the Tour de Suisse, G has recovered in time to start in Lille and will be looking to make a mark on his last appearance at the race.
- Sam Watson (23), Great Britain - The young British racer is coming in hot off his convincing win at the British Nationals Road Race at the weekend - his fourth win this season. Lining up for his first Tour de France, Watson has had a packed and consistent season including a busy Classics campaign that saw him play a key role for the team.