Brailsford still 'Godfather' of Ineos Grenadiers

Sir Dave Brailsford remains "the Godfather" of Ineos Grenadiers despite stepping aside as team principal, says new boss John Allert.

Brailsford, 59, has been in control of cycling affairs since the team's inception as Team Sky in 2010.

However, he is now preparing to join the football board at Manchester United after Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquired a 25% stake in the club.

"He's the founder of this team," said new chief executive Allert.

"Dave's the Godfather of this team. It's actually a privilege that we will still have him accessible to the team.

"He probably has greater bandwidth than anybody I've ever worked with. His primary focus is on the performance of a variety of different sports teams.

"Clearly he has a passion for and a proven track record in cycling, so don't ever be surprised to see Dave come on race. But he won't be coming on race to mark our homework. He'll be there to support the team as he does all the teams."

While Ineos' sporting portfolio also stretches across football, Formula 1, sailing and rugby, their investment at Manchester United is the most high-profile project they have taken on in a period of relative change for their cycling team.

Brailsford's departure from overseeing day-to day activities comes with his former deputy Rod Ellingworth having left abruptly during the winter.

Scott Drawer is also now the team's new performance director and former rider Steve Cummings has been appointed as director of racing, with Ineos having been eclipsed by their rivals over recent seasons.

However, Allert, who has been promoted from managing director, says he has never felt the need to seek reassurances from Ratcliffe or anyone else at Ineos about their continuing commitment to cycling.

He rejected speculation that their budget - for so long the largest in the sport - had been significantly reduced but acknowledged they are no longer the dominant force in the peloton.

"It was never a topic that was even raised," he added. "It was never raised by our owners, it was never raised by us, so it's a bit of a moot point.

"Cycling as a sport and as a pastime is one that is very important to Ineos as a culture, it is important to the three owners of Ineos [Ratcliffe and fellow businessmen Andy Currie and John Reece]. They're all keen cyclists - they're very engaged in the sport and very engaged in what we do.

"It's fair to say that as a team, where we're now the hunter, not the hunted, and that puts a slightly different complexion on things for us.

"I think we've got an exciting rider group and clearly we've made a good start to the season. I feel a lot of optimism in the team."