Michal Kwiatkowski leads quintet of contract extensions at Ineos Grenadiers

Ineos Grenadiers have confirmed contract extensions for five of their riders ahead of the 2026 season, headlined by former World Champion Michał Kwiatkowski, who has signed a new three-year deal that will take his tenure with the British team into a second decade, having joined back in 2016 from Etixx Quick-Step.

The 35-year-old Pole leads a list of renewals that includes a year extension for former two-time British champion Ben Swift, Australian climber Lucas Hamilton, who has been given a two-year extension, as well as a further year for Kim Heiduk and Brandon Rivera.

"It feels natural to stay," said Kwiatkowski in an official Ineos statement. "I love the atmosphere, the people and the way we work. I'm not here to stay in my comfort zone, I'm here because this is where I push myself every day. I feel joy when things go well, and I feel supported when they don't. That's cycling - one day you're on top of the world, the next you're fighting through a tough moment. It's been an amazing journey so far, but it's not over yet."

Swift, entering his 18th season as a professional, has been with the British team since its inception in 2010, except for a two-year spell at UAE Team Emirates from 2017-2018. The two-time British champion continues to provide invaluable experience on and off the bike.

"This team has been such a big part of my life, and to head into an 18th season as a pro is fantastic," said Swift. "I still love the racing, the camaraderie and the purpose we all share. It's a privilege to help guide the younger riders and play my part in the next chapter of the Grenadiers."

Australian climber Hamilton, who joined the team last season from Jayco AlUla, has secured a two-year extension, having raced the Giro d'Italia in 2025. "After a year, it genuinely feels like home - great people and great environment. I believe in the direction the team is heading, and I'm excited to be part of that journey," Hamilton said.

German rider Heiduk has shown notable progression in classics and support roles since joining in 2022, earning him another year with the squad. "I've learned so much since joining the Grenadiers, and having the trust of the team for the next step in my career means a huge amount," said Heiduk.

Colombian climber Rivera completes the quintet, having proven his value in the climbing department in particular since his arrival in 2020. "Every season with this team feels like a new opportunity to grow and give my best," said Rivera.

Geraint Thomas, the newly appointed Director of Racing, expressed his own delight with the team securing the futures of the quintet, riders with whom he has built a bond during his racing days with Ineos, which ended at the Tour of Britain in September.

"It's brilliant to have these five lads continue with us. They all bring something a bit different, and they'll be key to what we want to do next season."

Thomas highlighted Kwiatkowski's exceptional value to the team, "With Kwiato, he's been part of the biggest victories in the team both on a personal level and also in a supporting role, so keeping him involved and having his experience in the rider group is hugely beneficial."

The Welshman also praised Swift's ongoing contributions to the team. "He's the elder statesman now, but last season he proved exactly why experience counts. He did a bit of everything, across loads of races, and every single time he was just rock solid. Swifty sets the tone for the younger lads coming through and will play a big part in helping them get to know what bike racing is all about."

Ineos have signed four riders ahead of the 2026 season, including Theodor Storm, French Champion Dorian Godon, and both Kévin Vauquelin and Embret Svestad-Bårdseng from the now-defunct Arkéa-B&B Hotels side. 

Though the team’s transfer business may not be done just yet, with Australian sprinter Sam Welsford edging closer to a move to the British team, according to reports. Meanwhile, there have also been murmurs that a deal to bring Oscar Onley, who finished 4th at the Tour de France in the summer, isn’t completely off the table yet.