Former INEOS Grenadiers performance coach Xabier Artetxe has joined the Red Bull‑BORA‑hansgrohe structure, strengthening the set‑up being built around Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) for 2026, according to a LinkedIn update by the Basque coach.
The move, first spotted by Giro do Ciclismo on 6 December, states that Artetxe has been working with the German team since October in a physical trainer and performance role. As of 7 December there is still no official press release from Red Bull‑BORA‑hansgrohe, so the appointment currently rests on the coach’s own disclosure and media verification.
Artetxe brings serious pedigree. After early spells with Seguros Bilbao, Caja Rural and Movistar, he spent roughly a decade inside the Team Sky and INEOS system, rising to senior performance coach status and working closely with Egan Bernal (INEOS Grenadiers) during his Tour de France triumph and subsequent recovery from his 2022 crash. Reporting has also highlighted his cross‑sport work with Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz, underlining a data‑heavy, science‑driven approach.
He confirmed his departure from Ineos in a LinkedIn post in February 2025, stating it was “time to change goals and start new challenges,” so this new appointment comes after a season's gap from the pro peloton.
His arrival slots into a wider Red Bull‑fuelled rebuild. The team has already parted ways with long‑time Chief of Sports Rolf Aldag and elevated Zak Dempster, while preparing to integrate Evenepoel after what Geraint Thomas called cycling’s first €10 million transfer.
The target is obvious: finding a way to unseat Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) in the Grand Tours.
