Cyclist Magazine Podcast 129. Ineos implosion and TNT TV turmoil with Rapha CEO Fran Millar
Apr 17, 2025
Fran Millar, the CEO of Rapha and a key figure behind cycling legends like Geraint Thomas, shares her insights on the challenges within Rapha and the unexpected issues at Ineos Grenadiers. She discusses cultivating a winning mentality at Team Sky, her brother David Millar's influence, and the potential pitfalls of TNT's new cycling broadcast deal. Fran's candid reflections reveal the importance of team culture and accountability in navigating the cycling landscape.
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Creation of Winning Behaviours Role
- Fran Millar created the role of "head of winning behaviours" at Team Sky to reset culture after early success created division.
- This role focused on identifying and promoting positive behaviors and eradicating losing behaviors to unify the team.
Building Winning Team Culture
- Get team members involved in creating behavioural standards to increase ownership and buy-in.
- Coach towards standards, give feedback, and be willing to enforce consequences for repeated failure to uphold behaviours.
Polarizing Success in Sport
- Success breeds both love and hate; strong teams and brands often become polarizing.
- Rafa and Team Sky became iconic but attracted hatred due to prolonged dominance, which is natural in sport and brand culture.