Cummings exits Ineos Grenadiers after months of speculation

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Steve Cummings confirmed he will leave Ineos Grenadiers following months of conjecture about his future with the UK “super team.”

Cummings was promoted to the high-profile role of director of sport role at the end of 2023, but was not present at this year’s Tour de France.

Cummings went public overnight following months of speculation about his future with the team.

“I am aware there has been some speculation so I just wanted to clarify the situation,” the 43-year-old posted on LinkedIn.

“I’ve reached the decision to step away from Ineos,” he wrote. “This may seem like a big move, but I’m ready to begin a new phase of my career.”

The announcement is the latest in what has been a whirlwind season for Ineos Grenadiers in 2024.

Cummings’ future was uncertain after he was not mentioned as part of the mega makeover unfolded by team owners last month, which confirmed former Sky rider Kurt-Asle Arvesen as the new lead sport manager.

Cummings, a two-time Tour de France stage-winner, was last spotted at a race during the Critérium du Dauphiné in June, and was noticeably absent at this summer’s Tour de France.

Reports of conflicts with star rider Tom Pidcock were not officially confirmed by team officials, but media reports fueled a permanent inside-the-bus rift.

Ineos Grenadiers officials said this summer that Cummings was “working remotely” during the Tour, with Zak Dempster taking over in the No. 1 team car during the race.

Will Ineos shakeups set ship back on course?

Cummings’ confirmation of his exit is the latest of the intra-team drama that saw a massive drop in productivity among the once-mighty UK squad.

In 2024, the team only won 14 races — its lowest haul in team history — with highlights including Pidcock’s win at Amstel Gold Race, two stage wins (Narváez and Ganna) and third overall with Geraint Thomas at the Giro d’Italia, and the overall at the Tour de Romandie.

The team fell short at the Tour de France, with no stage wins and Carlos Rodríguez finishing seventh without truly being in the fight for the podium.

No real surprise to see Steve Cummings leave Team Ineos. Must be hard to do your job when gagged for most of the year. One of their biggest assets with be a major boost for any other team.

— Brian Smith (@BriSmithy) November 6, 2024

Team officials announced a major shakeup last month designed to put the squad back on track.

Several other key staffers and riders, including aero guru Dan Bigham and Ethan Hayter, are also seeking their fortunes elsewhere in 2025.

Whether the back-room makeover pays off next season remains to be seen.

Pidcock — who was abruptly left off the Il Lombardia squad last month — appears to be back in the fold, and recently showed up a team event.

Transfer rumors appear to be off the table for the two-time Olympic mountain bike gold medalist.

Cummings says his farewells

Cummings said his farewells and hinted he will remain in the sport.

“It’s been a privilege to work with such a talented group of riders and staff for the last four years,” he wrote. “I’d really like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support and dedication.

“I’ve always enjoyed and thrived working in a high performance environment and I will continue to have significant involvement in the sport. My focus is now on a new challenge within professional cycling.”