Aggressive, bold, and suddenly irresistible — that’s how many now describe the new spirit inside the INEOS Grenadiers camp. The British powerhouse has entered a different era, one where calculated dominance has given way to daring racing. After years of prioritizing Grand Tour podiums, the team’s fresh approach — backed by their new partnership with TotalEnergies — signals a major cultural and tactical shift. And in this transformation, one of France’s biggest cycling stars has found his next home.
For Dorian Godon, the current French national champion, joining INEOS isn’t just a career move — it’s a dream fulfilled. “INEOS is an exciting project for me,” he shared with Cyclingnews. “After ten years racing for French teams, I told myself I wanted to experience a foreign squad — and this one is among the most professional in the world.” His words echo the same motivations that have drawn other French talents, like Benoît Cosnefroy (UAE Team Emirates) and Bruno Armirail (Visma), toward international teams in recent years. It’s part of a growing trend: French riders seeking broader horizons and new racing philosophies outside their home circuit.
Following a standout season — six victories, including his national title and four late-season wins — Godon had no shortage of offers from WorldTour teams. Yet, INTERESTINGLY, he didn’t initially see himself wearing the INEOS jersey. “It wasn’t my only option,” he admitted, “but it was definitely the most appealing. A while ago, I wouldn’t have imagined joining INEOS, but now, with three French riders on the roster, it’ll be great to bring a French vibe into a British team.” Alongside Axel Laurance and newcomer Kévin Vauquelin, Godon forms a strong French nucleus within the reenergized lineup.
What makes this move stand out is not just the personnel but the changing philosophy behind the jersey. Godon noted that the Grenadiers are no longer bound by their historically defensive style. “Three years ago, I might not have wanted to go,” he reflected, “but now their strategy feels fresh. They’re more aggressive — and frankly, that makes them more attractive.” It’s a statement that may raise eyebrows among traditionalists who still view INEOS as the clinical, control-oriented team of old. But perhaps that’s the point: they’re rewriting their own identity.
Eyeing new challenges
Godon knows that today’s racing landscape demands flexibility. Against juggernauts like Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel, being reactive simply isn’t enough. “You have to move earlier and be more creative with tactics,” he explained. “The nature of cycling has changed — instead of building everything around one leader, it’s smarter to give everyone opportunities.” His comments touch on a wider debate: is modern cycling now about shared responsibility over hierarchy? Fans will have plenty to discuss.
As for his personal ambitions, Godon already has a clear roadmap. With past victories in the Tour de Romandie and De Brabantse Pijl, he’s now hungry for higher-profile one-day events. “I think I’ll get my chances,” he said optimistically. “There aren’t many riders with my exact profile — maybe Ben Turner comes close. I can sprint from small groups, help the GC in big tours, and work breakaways. I’m very versatile. Winning a one-day race like the GP de Québec or a Belgian Classic would be a big next step.”
The ultimate dream, though, remains the same for every French champion: the Tour de France. Godon’s ambitions go beyond participation; he dares to dream of yellow. With the 2026 edition opening in Barcelona and featuring early hilltop finishes, he sees a real shot at making an early statement. “It would be a dream to win in Barcelona and take yellow. I’m decent in time trials, and with the team’s expertise in that area, I’ll only improve,” he said, eyes already set on the horizon.
As he joins INEOS Grenadiers in the iconic French champion’s jersey, Godon stands at the intersection of personal ambition and team reinvention. The question now is simple but provocative: can this new, risk-taking INEOS truly reshape modern cycling — or will the experiment fade under pressure? What do you think — is aggressiveness the key to bringing them back to glory, or should they never have left the old formula behind?
