Geraint Thomas has been chosen to lead the INEOS Grenadiers team at the 2023 Vuelta a España. Speaking about his selection, Thomas expressed his excitement to return to La Vuelta and improve upon his previous experience in 2015. He said, “Hopefully it’ll be better than 2015 – which was horrific – it wasn’t the most enjoyable Grand Tour that I’ve ever done!”
Thomas is determined to achieve the best possible result for his team at the race and is looking forward to competing against a strong field of riders. He mentioned the likes of Ayuso, Remco, Roglic, Almeida, and Jonas, highlighting the star-studded lineup. Thomas stated, “That’s what motivates you as well, knowing that all the best guys are going to be there, so the goal is to go and do your best and hopefully come out on top; but it’s certainly going to be tough.”
Joining Thomas in the INEOS Grenadiers lineup is Egan Bernal, who is thrilled to be selected for the Vuelta after a successful training block in Colombia. Bernal expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and his excitement to compete in another three-week race this year. He said, “It’s a long comeback process, and I’m just so happy my body has improved so much that I’m going to take to the start line of another great three-week race this year.”
Filippo Ganna, who had to abandon the Giro due to illness, is eager to start his first Vuelta and contribute to the team’s success. He mentioned that the disappointment of not being able to finish the Giro has motivated him even more for the final Grand Tour of the year. Ganna believes that the team’s strong core, combined with their high spirits, will allow them to give their best and achieve great success at the race.
Also part of the INEOS Grenadiers lineup are Thymen Arensman, Laurens De Plus, Jonathan Castroviejo, Omar Fraile, and Kim Heiduk. Arensman, who is in his first year as a Grenadier, feels honored to be selected alongside experienced riders like Thomas and is motivated to convert Thomas’ second-place finish at the Giro into a victory at the Vuelta. De Plus is excited about the challenge of doing a double Giro-Vuelta and hopes to make a difference for the team’s leaders. Castroviejo is happy to be returning to the Vuelta after a few years and is looking forward to supporting Thomas as the team’s leader. Fraile, who considers the Vuelta his special race, is motivated to compete against the best riders and put on a show for the fans. Heiduk, starting his first Grand Tour, is grateful for the opportunity and is determined to give his all for the team’s success.
The INEOS Grenadiers lineup for the 2023 Vuelta is filled with talented and motivated riders, ready to take on the challenge and compete against the best in the world. With Geraint Thomas leading the way, the team is hoping for a successful and exciting race.
