The Ineos Grenadiers have continued to send signals of instability for several months and the information published by The Telegraph on Friday that Rod Ellingworth had resigned will not help the picture.
With his departure, the British team loses its operational leader while Dave Brailsford, still number one on paper, has since the arrival of Ineos distanced himself from cycling. The Welshman now occupies the broader role of director of the sports branch of the multinational and is currently working with his boss Jim Ratcliffe for the purchase of 25% of Manchester United’s shares.
A major architect of past successes
Apart from a one-season break, in 2020, when he left for Barhain, Ellingworth has always been the linchpin of the team. Since its creation in 2010 under the name Sky, it has been a major architect in particular of the seven victories in the Tour de France, from that of Bradley Wiggins in 2012 to that of Egan Bernal in 2019, including Chris Froome (2013 , 2015, 2016, 2017) and Geraint Thomas (2018).
Since the Colombian’s coronation, the Ineos have lost their splendor, particularly on the Grande Boucle, doubled by the performances of Jumbo or Team UAE. Beyond their results, the British have also shown signs of restlessness, particularly on the transfer market or with the instability of their management.
This fall, Matteo Tosatto, who had become one of the pillars of the team of sports directors, announced his departure, while Ben Williams, one of the performance directors, joined football and Queens Park Rangers this summer. For many still on vacation, the Ineos riders were surprised by the announcement of the resignation of Rod Ellingworth, which opens a new period of uncertainty.
