The INEOS Grenadiers' 2025 season had its moments, but can they improve in 2026? The team's performance has been a rollercoaster, with a mere Top 5 finish in the 2023-2025 UCI points rankings. However, they managed to secure 28 victories, and some were truly remarkable. Let's delve into the top 5 wins that defined their season.
National Championships Triumphs:
The team dominated the time trial events at the national championships, with five consecutive victories. Artem Shmidt and Michael Leonard surprised everyone with their wins in the USA and Canada, respectively, but their time with the team seems to be coming to an end. Meanwhile, Filippo Ganna solidified his status in Italian cycling, and Bob Jungels and Tobias Foss claimed the Luxembourger and Norwegian titles.
Magnus Sheffield's Climbing Mastery at Paris-Nice:
Sheffield showcased his versatility in the peloton. At Paris-Nice, he displayed an extraordinary climbing performance, catching up with Mads Pedersen, Alexander Vlasov, and Felix Gall on flat roads and powering through the final climbs. He held off Matteo Jorgenson, who was on a rampage, and Florian Lipowitz, who later finished third at the Tour de France.
Egan Bernal's Comeback Victory at the Vuelta a España:
After a crash in 2022, Bernal's journey back to the top has been eagerly followed by fans. His first pro win since the 2021 Giro d'Italia came at the Colombian national championships. But the real test was at the Vuelta a España, where he sprinted to victory on a back road in Galicia. Despite dropping out of GC contention, Bernal's win on Stage 16 was a highlight.
Ben Turner's Transformation into a Sprinter:
Turner's evolution is fascinating. Signed from Trinity Racing, he followed in Tom Pidcock's footsteps as a classics rider. However, his role evolved, and at the 2024 Tour de France, he was a road captain. With the team lacking a true sprinter, Turner stepped up. He nearly beat Alexander Kristoff at the Vuelta a Andalucia and finished third in a flat sprint at the Giro d'Italia. His experiment as a sprinter culminated in victory at the Tour de Pologne, and he later won his first Grand Tour stage at the Vuelta a España, beating Jasper Philipsen.
Thymen Arensman's Tour de France Glory:
Arensman's GC ambitions at the Tour de France may have faded early, but his form improved as the race progressed. He won Stage 14 into Superbagnères from the breakaway, possibly aided by Tadej Pogacar and UAE's conservative tactics. On Stage 19 to La Plagne, Arensman's victory was solely his merit. He climbed faster than Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Florian Lipwotiz, securing a career-best climbing performance and a memorable win over this generation's top climbers.
But here's the question: Can INEOS Grenadiers build on these victories and challenge for the top spot in 2026? With some key riders potentially leaving, will they be able to maintain their momentum? The team's strategy and rider development will be crucial in the upcoming season. What do you think? Is this team on the rise or facing an uphill battle?
