Today (May 1st 2019) heralds the start of a new chapter for Team Ineos at the Team Ineos Launch. Ineos are now the sole owners of Tour Racing Limited (the Team’s holding company), signifying a fresh start following the conclusion of Team Sky’s decade-long ownership by Sky and 21st Century Fox.
Team Ineos officially launched at a press conference, held at The Fountaine Inn in Linton today, with Sir Dave Brailsford, Team Ineos team principal, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and Chairman of Ineos, in attendance.
The launch also marked the official unveiling of the Team’s new kit for the remainder of the 2019 season, with four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome showcasing Team Ineos’ new colours at the event.
Tomorrow, the Team races in its new black and burgundy colours for the first time as Team Ineos at the Tour de Yorkshire. Sir Jim Ratcliffe said:
“Ineos believes that individuals can excel when challenged and great teams can achieve extraordinary results. “
We see the same belief and commitment in Team Ineos. Sir Dave Brailsford and the Team share our vision and values.”
Sir Dave Brailsford said:
“This is a momentous day for the Team, our fans and cycling in general.It is the start of an exciting new chapter for us and we’re all really looking forward to our future with INEOS at the helm.
”Ineos believes that being physically active is essential to health and wellbeing. Throughout its history it has supported youth sports groups.
“More recently,investing significant amounts in grassroots community projects to professional sport. Ineos currently owns Ineos Team UK, the British challenger for the America’s Cup, and the Swiss football club, Lausanne-Sport. It has always taken a stronginterest in youth sports and supports children’s running charities, including The Daily Mile and GO Run For Fun, which encourage millions of children to become active through running.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe added:
“Part of our interest in sports is to helpencourage health and fitness in children and adults. Cycling is a great way to get fit and I want Team Ineos to continue to play its part in getting more and more people to enjoy cycling, both as a leisure activity and a sport.”
Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas have given their reaction to the switch of Team Sky to Team Ineos. Froome, a four-time Tour de France winner, and Thomas, the current Tour de France champion, have been with Team Sky since the team’s inception in 2010 and both expressed their delight that the team will continue as Team Ineos.
Froome, who was in attendance at the official launch in Yorkshire today, said:
“It’s fantastic news for the team.
“I’m personally hugely grateful to INEOS for coming in, especially at such short notice. It’s an incredible boost for the team.
“It allows everyone to focus on the remainder of the season and winning some of the biggest and best races in the world.”
Thomas said:
“I’m really happy. The main thing is that the team continues in its current set-up. Some of us have been together right since the start in 2010, so it’s really good that the team can continue with the same values, the same structure, but under a different name now.
“Speaking to the guys at Ineos, I know they’re really excited to keep developing the team, which is the main thing. The mentality is to keep improving and pushing forward. It’s exciting times for sure.”
Thomas, currently racing at the Tour de Romandie, and Froome, who will race in the new Team Ineos colours for the first time at the Tour de Yorkshire tomorrow, both had a message for the fans on the news.
“There would have been some sadness with the news at the end of 2018, but together, we can now look towards an exciting future as Team Ineos.
“I think our fans will naturally be delighted that Ineos are on board. I’m sure they’ll be with us every step of the way.
“We’re all looking forward to riding in the new colours at the Tour de Yorkshire this week.”
Thomas added:
“We get a lot of support back in the UK and all over the world really. Hopefully we can continue to perform well in races and do the fans proud.
“When there’s new ownership, I wouldn’t say there’s more pressure, but it gives everyone a new impetus. That change keeps everyone pushing forward.”
