“Still in Contact With Us”: Dave Brailsford Transitions to Broader Sports Role, Still Influential in Ineos Grenadiers, Sparking Intrigue

Dave Brailsford has recently transitioned into a much broader role as he became the Director of the Ineos’ wider athletic program. This meant that he had to give up his position as the team principal of the Ineos Grenadiers. Formerly known as Team Sky, Brailsford was vested with the responsibility of being the team principal since the team’s inception. However, his roles and responsibilities saw him attending a significantly lower number of cycling events while taking a backseat to the daily operations of the team. 

Brailsford was also officially removed from the Grenadiers website on Friday, confirming his transition. However, the cycling team staff and members do not seem to be much perturbed by the big change of hands. They feel that things will run smoothly as always. 

Brailsford still the head honcho of the Ineos Grenadiers cycling unit? 

The new role taken up by Dave Brailsford is a huge one. Names such as Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 squad, OGC Nice, and even the likes of Manchester United will be involved in the portfolio. Thus, keeping a close eye on the Grenadiers might be a bit of a challenge for Brailsford. Or so we thought? While talking with the members of the team, a general consensus came out that the change wouldn’t actually affect anything. 

Ben Swift, in a statement to GCN, stated, “It’s been the same for the last couple of years. It’s just wording really.” Swift reiterated that Brailsford will still be working with the team like before and it was just a change of wording. He added, “He’s just got a more overall head role in the team, and that’s how it has been for the last couple of years.” 

According to speculations, the change of title took place particularly to aid the fact that Jim Ratcliffe desired to buy shares of Manchester United. Interestingly, Brailsford attended the last few games of the Red Devils, further cementing the claims. With  Brailsford now gone, John Allert has taken over as the CEO of the Grenadiers. 

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However, amidst all the uncertainty, the team is very sure about Dave Brailsford’s influence. The Sports Director of Ineos Grenadiers, Oli Cookson said, “He’s still in contact with us, he’s just working across all the sports, so nothing really changes… It’s only a positive thing if we look at the situation that Ineos is doing with all the sports.”

Sports Director acknowledges Dave Brailsford’s role going forward

Oli Cookson, the sports director of Ineos, summed up the situation in a singular line. He said, “Dave is now the boss of all Ineos Sport.” Cookson further explained how Brailsford was in constant communication with the team. He also felt that it was a welcome move with how Ineos is trying to cater to the development of other sports as well. 

Speaking on the way forward for the Grenadiers, Cookson stated, “Everything about the team has been said. Of course, Dave’s heavily involved still, as he is with all the sports. Like I say we’re in a fortunate position with the situation, so there’s not really much else to say.”  With that being said, whether or not Ineos Grenadiers will continue to run like before is a question for the future to answer. 

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