With the road season put to bed, October is usually the time for riders to put away their bikes for some well-earned rest and relaxation.
However, just before the athletes swap cleats for flip-flops, teams tend to gather for short post-season camps.
They’re often a chance to debrief and look back at the team’s achievements, while new recruits are welcomed, and some initial plans are drawn up for the coming season.
Ineos Grenadiers is no exception in that regard, and last week the British WorldTour squad gathered in Nice, France. Team owner Jim Ratcliffe is also the proprietor of the French soccer club OGC Nice, and with both squads in the same city, a short training session was put on between the players, riders, and staff.
The football players included Aaron Ramsey, Dante, and several other internationals.
Groups were formed, with a number of relaxed and light-hearted soccer technique drills organized. Our sources have informed us that Geraint Thomas and Michal Kwiatkowski impressed the Nice players the most with their on-the-ball skills, although we can confirm that no professional contracts will be handed out.
Check out the gallery below.
Cracking team camp with @ogcnice. Was a little rusty at first but soon pinging them in from all over the park. @aaronramsey was definitely impressed. Just waiting on that contract now 📝👌 pic.twitter.com/15HdfpsjqL
— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) October 22, 2022