Ineos stalwart Christian Knees retires to take up back room role

ByEnis Koylu

Updated 16/12/2020 at 16:33 GMT

Christian Knees' nine-year stint at Ineos Grenadiers has come to an end, with the 39-year-old German retiring from their racing roster. Knees will take up a new back room role, using his considerable experience to improve the team's Racing and Performance departments and is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

Ineos Grenadiers have confirmed that Christian Knees has retired from their professional racing team to take up a back room role with the franchise.

The 39-year-old signed for Team Sky in 2011 and has made 20 Grand Tour appearances with the team in the last nine years, winning one team trial stage at the 2013 Giro d'Italia and one at the Vuelta a Espana in 2016.

• Riccardo Ricco handed lifetime ban for doping
• Ulissi forced to rest several months because of heart problem
• UCI introduces new safety measures after series of crashes

Giro d'Italia

'All I'm thinking about now is the Giro' - Thomas focused on first Grand Tour of the season

16/04/2024 at 07:39

He will now put his considerable experience to good use with a new role with the team's Racing and Performance departments.

"Seventeen years is a long time," he told Ineos' official website.

"To be a professional at 39 years old is not something many people can say. At some point you need to retire and it’s always hard to end a chapter – but I’m really proud of what I achieved.

"The Grand Tour wins with the team – being there in 2012 with Bradley, and to be alongside Froomey at the start of the Tour in Germany in 2017. There are so many good memories, not to mention spending 10 years in one of the world’s best sports teams.

Froome in tears as Ineos career comes to an end - 'It's been 11 years, this is an emotional day'

“On a personal level, being the national champion of Germany in 2010 and wearing that jersey for a year was a big honour. Winning my home race at Rund um Koln and also winning Bayern Rundfahrt – these are some really nice results that I can look back on with my head held high.

"Now it’s a good time to have some different adventures but will always ride my bike. I love riding and I love training.

"I’m staying with the team next year which I’m really happy with. Initially it’s going to be a year of trying different angles and new things off the bike, looking at how I can best help the team be successful."

Cycling

Ratcliffe calls for ‘real action’ to combat ‘serious’ safety issues in cycling

12/04/2024 at 20:26

Paris - Roubaix Men

Pidcock says Paris-Roubaix 'a completely different beast' after top-20 finish on debut

08/04/2024 at 20:04

Paris - Roubaix Men

'Most special one-day race of the year!' - Pidcock can't wait for Paris-Roubaix

06/04/2024 at 11:43