This week we're digging into what really went wrong at Ineos in 2024—and it's not what you'd expect. Luke Rowe's departure reveals serious organisational bloat at the WorldTour giant, plus we're tackling lactate testing, mental prep for big gravel events, disc brake squeaks, and whether carbon or aluminium makes sense for your first gravel bike.
Key Takeaways
- Ineos's problems stem from bureaucratic bloat, not talent—multiple layers of departmental approval have replaced quick decision-making, which is why Luke Rowe left despite being offered more money elsewhere.
- Pogacar, Remco, and Visma are the only game in town for Grand Tours right now; Ineos should consider clearing Pogacar's €4M salary to fund a move for Remco rather than hoping current roster delivers results.
- Skip field lactate testing entirely and use FTP or VO2 Max instead—lab testing requires professional conditions or the downstream consequences of getting it wrong contaminate your entire training plan.
- Mental preparation for big races beats physical preparation alone: use visualisation techniques (like the thumb-and-forefinger anchor) and pre-ride course familiarisation on platforms like Rouvy to build confidence.
- Go wider on your tyres first before considering inserts—maximising tyre clearance solves more puncture problems than foam inserts, and keep sealant fresh because riding with dry sealant guarantees disaster.
- For your first gravel bike on a budget, buy second-hand carbon rather than new aluminium—you'll get better specs and avoid the regret cycle of upgrading within six months.
Expert Quotes
"I just didn't want my time wasted...I was scared that I get lost in a big organisation. It's more than a cycling team now, it's part of a global business and it's owned by, not sponsored by them. — Luke Rowe"
"If you can walk through a door and walk back through the door, if it's reversible, you should take those decisions all day long. But if you get to the far side and the door locks behind you, you should take those decisions very slowly and very cautiously. — Anthony, on why lactate threshold testing matters"
"Pogacar is paid as well as Remco, Jasper Philipsen, Jonas Vingegaard...he's paid better than a chunk of those riders and he's not delivering anywhere close to it."