Jack Haig is embarking on a new chapter in his cycling career, joining the INEOS Grenadiers for the season with a redefined focus. While a Grand Tour podium finisher, the , move signals a shift from personal ambition to supporting teammates in their pursuit of major victories, particularly at the Tour de France.
The INEOS Grenadiers, fresh off the retirement of veteran Geraint Thomas and Luke Rowe, see Haig, 32, as a crucial addition to their experienced core. The team is actively rebuilding, having already secured signings like Oscar Onley and Kévin Vauquelin to bolster their ranks of future contenders. However, recognizing the need for seasoned leadership, they’ve turned to the Australian rider to help navigate critical moments in major races.
“Maybe they were missing some more experienced guys that really know how to steer the ship in the right direction in certain critical moments,” Haig told Cyclingnews in Geelong, ahead of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, where he completed his first racing block with his new team. “I hope I can step into that.”
Haig’s career has been marked by consistency and tactical acumen, culminating in a third-place overall finish at the Vuelta a España. He also boasts multiple top-ten general classification finishes at prestigious races like Paris-Nice, the Critérium du Dauphiné, and the Vuelta a Andalucía, alongside stage wins at the Tour de Pologne and Andalucía. This wealth of experience is precisely what INEOS Grenadiers are looking to harness.
The decision to join INEOS Grenadiers wasn’t simply about finding a new team; it was about finding the right environment. After five seasons with Bahrain-Victorious, and a period of uncertainty in the professional peloton due to team mergers and foldings – including Arkéa-B&B Hotels and Lotto-Intermarché – Haig actively sought a team capable of contending for Grand Tour victories. He described the move as “the obvious choice” and expressed his excitement about contributing to a team with a proven track record of success.
Haig’s previous experience with a Grand Tour-winning team, specifically his role in Simon Yates’s Vuelta a España victory while riding for the Australian Orica-GreenEdge squad (now Jayco-AlUla), clearly influenced his decision. He’s aiming to recapture that feeling of being part of a winning organization.
“I think it’s a really nice place that I can restart the career, find a bit more motivation, find a bit more enjoyment, and just be part of a nice environment,” Haig stated. He acknowledges a recent dip in results for both himself and his former team and hopes the change of scenery will revitalize his performance.
Looking ahead, Haig’s primary goal is to return to his peak form and once again become a key player in major races. He’s focused on “trying to get back to the level that I used to have, and really enjoy bike racing again, and be at the front of the bike race, making some sort of critical decisions in critical moments – hopefully being more of an influential player.”
The two-year contract signifies a long-term commitment from both Haig and INEOS Grenadiers. The team clearly values his experience and leadership qualities, viewing him as a vital component in their strategy to reclaim the top spot at the Tour de France and other major cycling events. His arrival adds depth and resilience to a squad undergoing a period of transition, ensuring they remain competitive in the years to come.
Director of Racing Geraint Thomas, who raced against Haig for many years, has long respected his tenacity. This existing rapport suggests a smooth integration into the team and a collaborative working relationship as INEOS Grenadiers pursue their ambitious goals.
