Ineos Grenadier: Giant off-road vehicle as team vehicle at the Tour de France
TOUR Online
· 23.07.2024
In sporting terms, the team had Ineos Grenadiers did not set any highlights at the Tour de France this year. The British team, which once dominated the Tour of France for years under the name Sky with Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas, is now only lagging behind. There was no stage win in 2024 and the British team, which was one of the financially strongest cycling teams also played no part in the battle for the podium. Carlos Rodriguez was the best Ineos rider in seventh place, more than 25 minutes behind overall winner Tadej Pogacar.
In return, the team made an impressive appearance in the paddock every day. When the convoy of team buses and support vehicles rolled up, there was always a huge off-road vehicle from main sponsor Ineos.
Ladder required to remove wheels from the roof of the Ineos Grenadier
The mechanics always place the team bikes, which were also used in the race, on the vehicle, which is just over two metres high. A small ladder is needed to get the Pinarellos of Carlos Rodriguez & Co. off the roof. Incidentally, the spare wheels were placed on the flatter BMW support vehicles. What you won't do to please your main sponsor...
Exclusive off-road vehicle with a proud price tag
The Ineos Grenadier is also likely to be one of the most exclusive vehicles in the Tour de France 2024 armada. After all, the cheapest basic version is listed at just over 70,000 euros on the British manufacturer's website. The Grenadier is a project by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of the chemical company Ineos, which is the main sponsor of the cycling team of the same name. With an estimated fortune of 16.5 billion dollars, 71-year-old Ratcliffe is, according to Forbes one of the richest Britons.
