Sam Watson eyes aggressive Classics role and potential shot at Vuelta roster
'As a British guy, it’s always been a dream to join this team' says the new signing as he hits the ground running
One of the positive stories emanating from Ineos Grenadiers this season has been the progression of Sam Watson.
The rider was signed from Groupama-FDJ over the winter to little fanfare but has picked up five top tens and played pivotal roles in several of Ineos’ aggressive performances.
The 23-year-old helped Laurens De Plus to the podium at the Volta ao Algarve and now heads into Opening Weekend and the cobbles Classics with a bright outlook on the races ahead. Moreover, he’s also hoping to get back on the Grand Tour beat at the Vuelta a España, where he last raced a three-week event back in 2023.
“I’m settling in, and I’m really enjoying it. There’s a great group of guys and a great atmosphere. I seem to have had a lot of opportunities already, which is nice,” he told us in Algarve.
Watson spent two years at Groupama-FDJ, graduating from their U23 squad at the end of 2022. Before that, he was on the Trinity Racing squad.