After nearly ten years with Team Sky/INEOS Grenadiers, Tao Geoghegan Hart has concluded his journey with the British team and joined Lidl-Trek during this transfer window. Recently, through his official Instagram account, the former Giro d’Italia champion shared a farewell message.
“There are no perfect goodbyes in cycling. Often, there are no goodbyes at all. Most of the riders and staff at INEOS Grenadiers I haven’t seen since March or April,” he said.
“In professional cycling, we don’t have a moment to thank or reflect on what we’ve done. That’s just sport and maybe a good metaphor for life. People come and go. They’re taken from us unexpectedly every day. We imagine a perfect way to say goodbye, but it rarely happens as we hope.”
A heart full of good memories
“And as there’s no perfect moment, it’s time to say goodbye to the team that has been my home since 2016,” said the 28-year-old cyclist.
“It’s a farewell with a heart full of incredible memories, knowledge, and rich experiences. Having had the opportunity to work with so many amazing people was a privilege. I am especially grateful for the organization’s support during my extensive rehabilitation this year. If I look at all these photos, the journey since my first training camp with the team in 2014 has been incredibly rewarding.”
The highlight of Geoghegan Hart’s time at INEOS Grenadiers was undoubtedly the 2020 Giro d’Italia, where the British cyclist triumphed ahead of Jai Hindley to become the Grand Tour winner by just 39 seconds.
“Thank you to all equipment partners and fans as well. I couldn’t be more grateful for all your support. It makes a difference in the quest for purpose in this complicated world of 2023,” he stated. “So, shoutout to all my INEOS Grenadiers comrades of this season and also of the past years. Thank you for all your hard work and camaraderie; see you at the races soon.”