Dave Brailsford has responded to reports that he may be stepping down as team manager of the Ineos Grenadiers by saying that he has "no intention of leaving the team."

The Italian newspaper Tuttobici reported that Brailsford has moved on to take on a broader leadership role at Ineos Sports, while Rod Ellingworth has been named manager of the Ineos Grenadiers ( Ineos Grenadiers.

However, in an internal message seen by Cycling News and sent to players and staff, Brailsford called reports of his transfer from the team speculation, while failing to confirm that he would remain as team manager.

"I am not in the habit of commenting on media speculation, but I wanted to let everyone know that, unlike the Italian reports overnight, I have no intention of leaving the team," Brailsford wrote in the message.

Ineos sponsors the men's cycling team, the Mercedes F1 team, the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team, the British America's Cup, and the Nice and Lausanne soccer teams. Ineos Sport claims to "bring together the best minds in world sport to improve performance on the road, pitch, track, and to support our ambitions on the water."

The 57-year-old Brailsford, who has recently survived prostate cancer and heart surgery, told The Guardian in July that he may leave his stressful team management role if his health deteriorates.

In his message, he did not deny his role in Ineosport, nor did he specify whether he would continue to be a constant presence in major races, but Brailsford insisted that he was motivated by being part of the Ineosport family.

"We have a great team in place for next season and are genuinely preparing for the future. [Having a new partner and doing it as part of the INEOS Sports family is more motivating than ever.

"For me, there is no more exciting place in the world of sports right now.

"I'm looking forward to the Road World Championships this weekend and the next race on the block.

Brailsford is overseeing a generational change in Ineos Grenadiers, Chris Froome is moving to the Israeli startup nation in 2021, and Tom Pidcock and Ethan Hayter are rapidly emerging as talents. for 2022 will be joined by 20-year-old Englishman Ben Tallet, 19-year-old American Magnus Sheffield, and 20-year-old Australian Luke Plapp.