La Fedaia evening, in home Ineos Grenadiers they probably realized that for the first time since 2012 they could end the season without having won a major Giro.
The Bernal accident He's reduced his potential for the Tour, while it will be tough to compete against the usual Roglic from the Vuelta. Cycling allows for unpredictable variables, but when it comes to budgeting, you have to be realistic. On the other hand, the market for top riders has been sealed off for a while nowThe British team itself seems to be on the verge of renewing Ganna's contract, which expires at the end of 2023. And so, unable to take Pogacar, under contract until 2027, Sir David Brailsford's team has begun building its future at home. And in the meantime he has extended his contract with Pidcock until 2027.
Speaking to team managers around the races, this is the observation that circulates most: you will see a much more incisive Ineos in 3-4 years.
Sixteen U26 riders
Out of 31 riders on the team, there are 14 under the age of 25. Names like Bernal (25), Ganna (25), Dunbar (25), Narvaez (25), Sivakov (24), Hayter (23), Pidcock (22), Plapp (21), Rodriguez (21, opening photo), Tulett (20), Sheffield (20). Martinez, Rivera and De Plus have 26. Guys who have already won, and won well, and who are following a progressive growth path that points straight to the future. The more mature ones instead serve to guarantee the present.
Identifying talent
Among the reasons that two years ago pushed brailsford It was precisely the desire to refound it that brought Rod Ellingworth back to his team. The "Burnley red" had turned the page and in 2020 he landed at Team Bahrain, bringing with him the Sky mentalityHe had reset his work and interpersonal relationships. And even if not everyone could come to terms with it at the time, the good results today of the team of Miholjevic they also depend on that type of frameworkBut it was never quite love, so much so that in 2021 Rod returned to his mother's house.
«Among the reasons for the return – he told us in the morning in Verona, before the final time trial of the Giro began – there was also the intention to start a different work on the development level with the younger ridersWe were never interested in opening a continental, it's just a way of tying our hands. But it's undeniable that Cycling is changing a lot and a new way to discover and manage talent was needed.».
Internal program
Cycling is also changing in need to anticipate the selection. While previously no young Briton would have dreamed of turning professional without first making a stint with the Brailsford team, having lost the direct link with British Cycling made sure in 2020 Ben Tulett signed with Alpecin-Fenix at just 19 years oldGetting it back was a mission, and so it was.
“Ben is a young man,” Ellingworth smiled, “who we’ve been following for a while. He has made impressive progress over the last year and his approach and attitude are exactly what we are looking for.His passion for racing combined with the atmosphere of our team will help him climb another step. What I would like to emphasize is that We started immediately with our own internal programOf course we also use the suggestions of the prosecutors, but above all we aim for a mix between our scouting work and good relationships with smaller clubs and federations. Having a good relationship with them helps you know that maybe there are some very young guys on the way."
Different levels of access
The internal program also includes the possibility indicated days ago by Fabrizio Tacchino. The young player who wants to be evaluated and who is not included in the team's scouting program can be considered after evaluating all his training and competitions over the last year.
“I know Turkey,” Ellingworth confirmed, “and what he said is true. We have different levels of access to our teamAnyone can get in touch with us, but it's clear that if we don't know them, we need to evaluate them. In this way, we can understand his level and evaluate whether or not to deepen our knowledge».
The Rodriguez knot
And so Team Ineos Grenadiers faces the future still having to renew Carapaz's contract, with Richie Porte retiring at the end of the season and riders like Thomas and Swift committed until the end of 2023. That is also Carlos Rodriguez's contract expiry date is now and it will be interesting to see if he will proceed with the renewal soon., since he is one of the most promising boys, but like Ayuso he is in Matxin's orbit. The British court will be able to keep him or will he too remain… a victim of Arab seduction?
