The former Movistar cyclist, now completing his first stage with INEOS, shares the story of his hiring as a sports director for the British team.
It was during one of the last stages of the Vuelta a España that Imanol Erviti, who was with Movistar at the time, met with Xabier Zandio, the director of INEOS.
“Imanol, what plan do you have for next year? The team is looking for directors, and you may have the profile,” Xabier Zandio asked at the time.
First contact with INEOS Grenadiers
On the last day of the Vuelta, the conversation with Steve Cummings, the sports director of INEOS, took place. Erviti requested some time to reflect. He had to conclude his cycling career, finish the UCI course as a sports director in Switzerland in November, weigh his options, and make a decision.
Additionally, the British Cycling team was facing turbulence with the departure of Rod Elinworth, their general manager. On November 27, Erviti was already part of the INEOS team. He also talked with Eusebio Unzué and Movistar, his team for 19 years.
CEO of Movistar supported the change
“I spoke with Eusebio, explained that there was an interesting proposal, and that I wanted the challenge,” Erviti recounts. “He told me it was an excellent learning opportunity, encouraged me, and I ended my journey with them in a very positive way.”
Language is the big challenge
In the last two weeks, Imanol Erviti has been with INEOS during the first training camp in Mallorca. The former cyclist takes on the role of one of the seven sports directors for the British team.
“It was a triple significant change in a short period. I changed my profession, my language, and my team, stepping out of my comfort zone,” explains Erviti. “Language is challenging for me, but I can communicate well.”
Upon joining the INEOS structure, he highlights the wealth of resources in the new team. “It’s a team with many resources, but what surprised me the most was the solid and well-planned organizational structure. Everything is protocolized; they work intensely and efficiently,” says Erviti. “The treatment with everyone is very cordial. They welcomed me warmly, ensuring my comfort and well-being,” concluded the new sports director of INEOS Grenadiers.