Luke Rowe is to go away Ineos Grenadiers after 13 years and be a part of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale as a sports activities director, it was introduced on Monday morning.
The Welshman, who joined the British squad when it was Group Sky in 2012, was already set to retire from the skilled ranks on the finish of the season, however won’t depart the world of biking, switching to Decathlon subsequent month.
The 34-year-old stated that the crew was the one for him due to its “future mission” and “long-term imaginative and prescient”.
In a press launch, Rowe stated: “I took a little bit of time to replicate on my future and see what the brand new chapter can be. The Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale mission appealed to me, notably with the large step ahead made this 12 months when it comes to efficiency, however above all with the long run mission and the long-term imaginative and prescient. I will probably be wanting to deliver my expertise from the years spent on the highest degree and to assist the riders, particularly within the classics.
“The opposite a part of this new mission is the crew’s ambition to develop into extra worldwide. Clearly, there are some unbelievable French abilities however, with this strategy, the crew will also be a really enticing choice for English audio system and worldwide riders trying to be a part of the crew.”
Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale have received 30 races this season, its most since 1999, whereas Ineos Grenadiers have received simply 14 instances, its lowest ever.
Final month, Rowe stated Ineos was “underperforming”, and might have numerous years to regain its earlier dominance in a candid interview, saying that the crew had discovered itself “on the again foot.
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In a submit on social media, Ineos wrote: “Saying goodbye is difficult so we’ll simply say this… Thanks Luke Rowe. Prime rider. Prime human being. Congratulations on an unbelievable profession on the bike!”
At Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, Rowe appears set to assist lead the Classics squad, which incorporates Oliver Naesen and Stan Dewulf.
“The assembly with Luke Rowe occurred naturally,” Dominique Serieys, Decathlon’s CEO stated. “He’s somebody who will deliver us his expertise from his 13 years spent with Ineos Grenadiers. He has important expertise within the classics, Paris-Roubaix, the Flemish and the Ardennes races, the place he performed main roles all through his profession.
“It will permit the crew to strengthen its preparation for these main occasions, that are key goals for the approaching seasons. Luke will probably be on the middle of the classics group, with numerous coaching camps and particular preparations set as much as obtain these objectives. It’s a main step ahead in structuring the sports activities division and supporting younger riders in the direction of the best degree.”
When Rowe’s retirement was introduced earlier this 12 months, John Allert, the CEO of Ineos Grenadiers, stated: “Luke is a large a part of what makes this crew so particular. He has been right here for the reason that early years and has performed an enormous half in our largest wins and a few of the most iconic moments within the crew’s historical past.”
