Potential TotalEnergies agreement may signal a significant transformation for Ineos Grenadiers sports team.
The Ineos Grenadiers cycling team is in discussions with French oil and gas giant TotalEnergies for a potential partnership, which could significantly impact the team's future. According to reports, the team's current owner, Jim Ratcliffe, seems to prioritise Manchester United over Ineos Grenadiers, suggesting that a second sponsor might be necessary for the team's continued success. This potential partnership with TotalEnergies could provide the necessary funding to compete for high-profile riders who are currently bound for UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Visma-Lease a Bike. However, this partnership could mean a shift in national identity for the team, as most major WorldTour squads are registered in the country in which their lead sponsors operate. The new funding from France could see a change in the team's British identity, which has been less prominent in recent years due to Ratcliffe's reported base in Monaco. Negotiations are underway, but it's unclear what the new partnership with Ineos could mean for the currently existing TotalEnergies, the former ProTeam of Peter Sagan. The person who will lead these negotiations has not been publicly disclosed. The potential collaboration could come into play from 2026, but a rebrand of Ineos Grenadiers with TotalEnergies could be launched as early as this summer's Tour de France. However, a wild card invite for the French ProTeam at their home Grand Tour makes this an unlikely eventuality. The team has had a challenging year in 2024, marking their worst year on record. With star rider Geraint Thomas announcing his retirement at the end of the season and Tom Pidcock moving to Q36.5, the team will need a new star rider to maintain their competitive edge. Despite the ongoing negotiations, Ratcliffe has been unwilling to invest more than the 50 million euros he reportedly spends in cycling on an annual basis. This partnership could provide the necessary boost to compete at the highest level. However, Ratcliffe has faced intense scrutiny for his decisions at Manchester United, and Ineos Grenadiers has faced criticism from climate activists in France, who targeted TotalEnergies headquarters in Paris last year. It remains to be seen how these factors will influence the potential partnership. CEO of Ineos Grenadiers, John Allert, has confirmed that the team will continue into the next WorldTour cycle, regardless of the outcome of the negotiations. The team is hopeful that a successful partnership with TotalEnergies will help them regain their competitive edge and secure a bright future in the world of cycling.
