Viviani returns to the organisation after having had spells at both Team Sky and the INEOS Grenadiers during a glittering career on both road and track. A former Olympic champion and Tour de France stage winner, he spent three seasons as a rider with the Grenadiers before retiring earlier this year.
Impey arrives with a decorated background of his own. The South African became the first African rider ever to wear the yellow jersey at the Tour de France in 2013, later adding a Tour stage win in 2019 before retiring at the end of 2023. Since then, he has already transitioned successfully into a Sports Director role.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the riders and staff and playing a part in the team’s ambitions for the future,” he said. “Having started my career as a teammate of Geraint’s, it’s really special to be reunited now as colleagues. When the opportunity came to join a team with such a clear mission and vision, it was an easy decision to join.”
Thomas calls duo ‘excellent additions’
“Elia and Daryl are excellent additions to our team. Their experience, professionalism and leadership qualities will add real value to the INEOS Grenadiers,” he said. “They will also bring fresh ideas and perspectives into an established environment which is really important for our growth as a team, as we continue to challenge ourselves in every area.”
INEOS have spent the past two seasons reshaping the structure around their sporting project, with Thomas repeatedly stressing the importance of cultural reset, stronger communication, and a renewed racing identity. The arrival of Viviani and Impey, two respected figures with deep WorldTour histories, fits directly within that shift as the team looks to re-establish itself as a major force in the sport heading into 2026 and beyond.