Swansea–INEOS Grenadiers collaboration to help transform elite cycling talent identification

Swansea University has partnered with INEOS Grenadiersto develop cutting-edge data and AI solutions that could revolutionise how emerging talent is identified in professional cycling.

The collaboration is led by academics from the University's Applied Sport, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, which already works closely with leading sporting organisations including Swansea City AFC, Scarlets, Ospreys, Swim Wales, and the UK Sports Institute.

As part of a growing programme of match-funded PhDs, Swansea researchers-including Professors Liam Kilduff, Neil Bezodis, Laura Mason, and Drs Mark Waldron and Rowan Brown-have embedded students directly within these organisations and many more to tackle real-world performance challenges using advanced data analytics.

Now, the team is expanding its reach through a new partnership with INEOS Grenadiers, a world-leading British-based cycling team renowned for its multiple Grand Tour victories and scientific approach to technology and performance.

The first joint project, Towards the development of digital twins for efficient talent identification in professional cycling, will see a dedicated PhD student explore how data-informed systems can help teams identify emerging and currently overlooked talent earlier and more effectively, despite the complex and unpredictable nature of talent development.

Liam Kilduff, Professor of Performance Science, Head of the A-STEM Research Centre, and Co-Chair of the Welsh Institute of Performance Science, said: "At Swansea University, we take pride in building strong partnerships with industry leaders, ensuring mutual benefit for all parties. Some collaborations have lasted over 23 years, resulting in major impacts in elite and professional sports. We're excited to be working with INEOS Grenadiers and look forward to collaborating with Scott and his team on this innovative project."

Dr Scott Drawer, Performance Director at INEOS Grenadiers, added: "The emerging fields of data science and AI are the next frontier for the sport. These projects form part of a large portfolio of work with academia and industry to accelerate our understanding and application to our sport. My personal experience of working with Swansea has always been positive and delivered direct impact to the way we work."

Cycling is one of the most technologically advanced sports, offering vast amounts of performance data. However, the volume and inconsistency of this data make automated tools essential for identifying promising riders.

This new project will integrate INEOS Grenadiers' internal performance metrics with publicly available race data to monitor the development of junior riders across selected countries. By designing automated systems to highlight standout performances, the team aims to establish a digital thread that enables deeper insights into athletes' training histories and progression pathways.

With professional cycling becoming increasingly competitive-and with more nations represented at the elite level-teams are under more pressure than ever to identify talent early. This collaboration aims to streamline and strengthen that process.

The initiative also aligns with the goals of the National Institute for Sport and Health (NISH), based at Swansea University.

Professor Keith Lloyd, Director of NISH, said: "This partnership aligns with the mission of NISH, which brings together researchers, practitioners, and industry partners to drive innovation in sport performance and health. Through NISH, the University aims to translate research excellence into practical solutions that benefit athletes and wider communities."

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