How Ineos Grenadiers' race finished before it had began. IL Lombardia 2024.
Further Ineos Grenadiers disappointment amid Pogacar Dominance.
Though Ineos may be regarded as “under-performing” this year, I have to credit their consistency. Their consistent ability to make a make a mockery of themselves internally.
Regarded as their best-performing rider at the moment, Tom Pidcock was recalled by Ineos Grenadiers just two days prior to the 2024 edition of IL Lombardia. Taking to Instagram to show his dismay, Pidcock has been rumoured to be leaving the team in which tensions with Ineos have risen over recent months. A potential theory behind the decision was to avoid an injury which would discount his transfer fee.
This can be backed by Sports Director Zak Dempsey’s comments:
“It was a management decision on the final team, that's their right and here we are without Tom”
Without a development program, Ineos have to out-source when it comes to recruiting for the World Tour squad. With the majority of British talent being swept up by the likes of Team Visma-Lease a Bike and Groupama-FDJ, Ineos’ strategy is confusing and leaves their 2025 season in jeopardy.
Though Pidcock has not raced IL Lombadia in past years, his results across other one-days only favour his chances to challenge for the podium. However on the day, the team bested a 15th overall thanks to Thymen Arensman’s efforts in the breakaway with Pidcock’s replacement, Ethan Hayter, ultimately not finishing.