The mystery surrounding Caleb Ewan deepened during the Tour Down Under pre-race press conference when Geraint Thomas was asked about the Australian sprinter's vanishing act. Ewan returned to Australian WorldTour team Jayco-AlUla last season after being made unwelcome at his previous team Lotto Dstny, but did not race the season's marquee event, the Tour de France, as the team focussed on fellow sprinter Dylan Groenewegen.
While Thomas wouldn't confirm rumours that Ineos Grenadiers were interested in signing Ewan, he certainly did not object to the suggestion. The team currently has only 27 riders signed for the season, well under the maximum of 30. "I know him well. He's a good mate, and if he did come here, that would be great, because obviously we lack a sprinter, and 40% of races end in a sprint, don't they?"
Last year, Ineos launched their season with Jhonatan Narvaez winning the Tour Down Under criterium and placing second overall behind Stephen Williams in the WorldTour race's overall classification. Narvaez has since moved to UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
Getting the season started with a success, Thomas said, "It's important, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. There are 10 months of the season. We started well last year with Jhonny - I think it is important to start well, of course, and we're all motivated. But it's just how we go for the next few months, really."
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