Gear & Grit Daily: November 27, 2025
Today's cycling news: Campagnolo faces major layoffs as financial pressures deepen, “There is no alternative”: Campagnolo lays off 40% of its staff after suf...
Welcome back to Gear & Grit. While the cycling world processes difficult news from Vicenza—where Campagnolo is cutting 40% of its workforce after three years of losses—there's a reminder that reinvention happens at every level of our sport. Case in point: Geraint Thomas is hanging up his race radio to pick up a different one, stepping into Ineos Grenadiers' Head of Racing role with a clear mission ahead.
Today we're also diving into the science of not blowing up on long efforts, because whether you're racing gravel or just trying to survive your weekend centuries, pacing strategy never goes out of style.
⚡ Quick Hits
- Natascha Knaven-den Ouden is fighting to rebuild the foundations of women’s cycling: Natascha Knaven-den Ouden addresses foundational challenges in women's cycling development.
- [UPDATE] Labour ditched Cycle to Work cap two weeks before Budget after deciding it “wasn’t worth the revenue”, as bike shops hail “common sense prevailing”: UK Labour government scraps Cycle to Work scheme cap, citing revenue concerns and accessibility priorities.
- “Stand-out performer”: Halfords reveals cycling grew 9% in 2025’s key selling season: Halfords reports 9% cycling sales growth during key 2025 selling season, signaling industry health.
- Neil Stephens returns to Jayco: Neil Stephens returns to Jayco-AlUla as sports director after stints at UAE-Team Emirates and Bahrain Victorious.
- Cycling Halfords’ “stand-out performer” as bike sales jump 9%, making up almost a quarter of retailer’s revenue: Halfords' cycling division drives 9% sales growth, generating £208m revenue in H1 2025.
- Tour de Boudicca 7.0 3-Day Women’s Stage Race Announced: Tour de Boudicca women's stage race returns for seventh edition with multi-day competition.
- Esteban Chaves, the embodiment of 'never give up': Personal tribute celebrating Esteban Chaves' resilience and beloved status in professional cycling.
- Reclamation: The Bike World Is a Mess. The Kids Reminded Me How We Fix It – Kyle Klain: Photographer Kyle Klain finds renewal through grassroots cycling events in Navajo Nation and New Mexico.
📊 By The Numbers
- 40%: Campagnolo cutting 40% of Vicenza workforce amid financial pressures
- €24 million: Campagnolo's losses since 2023, forcing major staff cuts
- 9%: Halfords cycling sales growth in 2025's key selling season
📰 Today's Big Stories
Campagnolo faces major layoffs as financial pressures deepen
Campagnolo Cuts Deep as Losses Mount
Campagnolo is preparing to slash 40% of its Vicenza workforce as the storied Italian component maker grapples with years of financial losses. The cuts mark a dramatic downsizing for a brand that's been synonymous with high-end road cycling for nearly a century.
This matters beyond corporate restructuring. Campagnolo has struggled to compete with Shimano and SRAM's dominance, particularly in electronic shifting and gravel segments where it arrived late. The layoffs signal the brand's fight for survival in a consolidating market. For cyclists, it raises questions about Campy's future innovation capacity and long-term viability—concerning news if you're invested in their ecosystem or value having a third major groupset option. The industry needs competition to drive innovation and keep pricing in check.
“There is no alternative”: Campagnolo lays off 40% of its staff after suffering heavy losses for third year running
Campagnolo Slashes Workforce Amid Mounting Losses
Italian cycling icon Campagnolo is cutting 40% of its staff after hemorrhaging over €24 million since 2023. The company cited "no alternative" and announced a "significant rethinking of costs at all levels" to survive its third consecutive year of losses.
Why it matters: This isn't just corporate restructuring—it's a warning sign for the high-end components market. Campagnolo's struggles reflect broader industry challenges: shrinking demand post-pandemic boom, fierce competition from Shimano and SRAM, and the costly pivot to electronic shifting. For cyclists, expect potential impacts on product availability, innovation timelines, and service support. The brand that defined Italian racing heritage for decades is fighting for relevance in a market that's moved on—and that's a loss for cycling culture, regardless of what's in your drivetrain.
Geraint Thomas Is in Management at Ineos Grenadiers. He’s Been Set a Mission.
Geraint Thomas Takes the Reins at Ineos
The 2018 Tour de France champion has been appointed Director of Racing at Ineos Grenadiers, adding a management role while continuing to race. Thomas will work alongside Dave Brailsford with a clear objective: close the performance gap to dominant teams UAE Team Emirates and Visma-Lease a Bike.
Why It Matters: This signals a strategic shift for the once-dominant British squad that's struggled to match its rivals' Grand Tour firepower in recent seasons. Thomas brings insider knowledge and credibility to help reshape team tactics and culture. It's a bold move—having an active rider in management could either inject fresh perspective or create conflicts of interest. For cycling fans, it means Ineos is serious about reclaiming its place at the top, and Thomas's dual role will be fascinating to watch unfold in 2025.
Ineos confirm Geraint Thomas as new Head of Racing
Ineos Taps Thomas for Top Management Role
Geraint Thomas is trading his race bike for a clipboard, taking over as Ineos Grenadiers' new Head of Racing immediately after hanging up his wheels. The 2018 Tour de France winner called the move "a natural next step" with the team that's been his professional home throughout his entire WorldTour career.
Why it matters: Thomas brings rare credibility to team management—a Grand Tour champion who knows what modern riders need to perform. His transition signals Ineos' commitment to keeping institutional knowledge in-house rather than hiring outside executives. For the squad that's struggled to reclaim its Sky-era dominance, having a recently retired champion who understands current racing dynamics could prove crucial in rebuilding their competitive edge. Expect Thomas to shape everything from race tactics to rider development.
“A natural next step”: Geraint Thomas confirmed as new director of racing at Ineos Grenadiers – but will the Tour de France winner’s management role revitalise the struggling British squad?
## Thomas Takes the Reins at Ineos
Geraint Thomas has officially joined Ineos Grenadiers as director of racing, partnering with Dave Brailsford on race strategy, recruitment, and rider development. The 2018 Tour de France winner hung up his wheels just weeks ago, making this a swift transition from the peloton to the team car.
Why it matters: Ineos desperately needs a reset. Once the sport's dominant force, the British squad has struggled for Grand Tour wins and cohesive leadership in recent seasons. Thomas brings fresh credibility and rider perspective to a management structure that's felt increasingly disconnected. Whether his racing insights can reverse the team's fortunes remains the big question—but his appointment signals Ineos recognizes something fundamental needs to change. For fans who watched Thomas grind through two decades as a domestique-turned-champion, seeing him shape the next generation adds an intriguing new chapter.
🎙️ Fresh Ears
- HOW TO GO LONGER WITHOUT BLOWING UP | Pro Cyclist Ruth Holcomb | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 561: Pro cyclist Ruth Holcomb discusses pacing strategies, race analysis, and training science for endurance performance.
- Building Better Athletes: Off-Season Tools and Tactics for Coaches: Elite coach Matt Dixon shares off-season coaching model and tactics for athlete breakthroughs.
- Meaghan Hackinen on Winning the Silk Road Mountain Race, Moroccan Adventures, & Sketchy River Crossings | Velo Podcast: Meaghan Hackinen discusses winning Silk Road Mountain Race and adventure cycling experiences.
