Ineos Grenadiers, who recently announced a change in their leadership team, have acquired Lucas Hamilton (Australia, Jayco Al-Ullah). The 30-man roster for next season has been finalized, and Elia Viviani (Italy) has decided to leave the team.
Lucas Hamilton (Australia) announced to join Ineos photo: CorVos
“I am thrilled to be joining Ineos Grenadiers. Over the years I have watched the success of the team from the outside and have deep respect for it. I want to contribute to the continued success of the team. I’m looking forward to riding with my new teammates,” said Lucas Hamilton (Australia, Jayco AlUla) of his joy at the transfer. The contract is for one year starting in 2025.
Hamilton is 28 years old and made his professional debut with Jayco AlUllah (then Mitchelton-Scott) in 2017. He won the Oceania Championship in his first year as a professional and competed in all three major tours in eight years. Expected to be a future overall ace candidate, especially in 2021, he will finish 4th overall in Paris-Nice, 10th in Volta a Catalunya, 8th in Tour de Romandie, and 13th in 2022 Giro d’Italia. He showed his ability to compete in stage races.
However, he has not been able to achieve any notable results since then, and has not been able to participate in a Grand Tour for the past two years.
Lucas Hamilton (Australia) won the stage at Tirreno-Adriatico in 2020 photo: CorVos
Elia Viviani (Italy, Ineos Grenadiers) whose departure is attracting attention photo: CorVos
Scott Drawer, Ineos performance director, said of Hamilton: “Lucas has proven himself in the past and we believe in his talent and potential. He will be a great fit among his new team-mates. I’m sure he will improve his abilities under the new coach and support.”
With Hamilton’s addition, Ineos has confirmed its 30-man roster for the 2025 season. Among the six new recruits, the most notable is Bob Jungels (Luxembourg, Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe), who won Liege-Bastogne-Liège in 2018 and came close to winning this year’s Tour de France. 2023 U23 Road World Champion Axel Laurence (Alpecin Deceuninck, France) and young climber Samuel Watson (Groupama FDJ, UK) are also on the list.
On the other hand, key players have left this year as well, including Ethan Hayter (Great Britain) who will transfer to Soudal Quick-Step and Jonathan Narváez (Ecuador) who will join UAE team Emirates. Also, the transfer destination of Elia Viviani (Italy), who won a silver medal in the track event Madison at the Paris Olympics and whose contract was not renewed, has not yet been announced.