Confirmed: Oscar Onley signs with Ineos to lead Tour de France challenge

Ineos Grenadiers have confirmed their sixth and most intriguing signing ahead of the 2026 season: Oscar Onley. In a transfer window packed with major moves, Onley’s switch to the British team is among the most significant.

The 23-year-old, who finished fourth at the Tour de France this summer, represents a major late coup for Ineos and strengthens their GC leadership options. With the recent retirement of Geraint Thomas, the team will have renewed hope of a British rider capable of competing at the sharp end of the Tour de France general classification.

“Oscar’s performance in 2025 has been incredible really," said Thomas, now Ineos' director of racing. "I rode my first Tour when I was 21, so to see what he achieved at this year’s Tour at just 22 was really impressive. The way he rides and understands a race is mature beyond his years – he’s a proper racer. I can’t wait to work with him – at his age there’s still loads of headroom."

There had been plenty of speculation regarding Onley’s future, with reports indicating that a late move to Ineos could well be on the cards. It was also claimed that 15 different teams enquired about the possibility of signing the British rider.

Onley makes the switch, having learned his craft at Picnic PostNL. He turned professional with the Dutch team in 2023, after spending two years with their development squad.

“I want to thank Team Picnic PostNL for all their support, I’m really proud of what we have achieved together," said Onley.

The 23-year-old has improved season on season, with 2025 confirming him as one of the peloton’s standout young riders. After finishing third at the Tour de Suisse and winning a stage along the way, Onley arrived at the Tour de France in strong form, albeit with few expectations.

He rose to the occasion and narrowly missed out in a head-to-head fight for the final podium place and the youth classification, finishing fourth. He also ended the 2025 season ninth in the UCI Rankings, underlining his place among the sport’s top-tier talents.

Onley is not the only rider from the 2025 Tour de France top ten to join Ineos. Kevin Vauquelin, who also enjoyed a standout Tour, has signed for the British team from the now-defunct Arkéa B&B Hotels, alongside Embret Svestad Bårdseng. Ineos have also signed French champion Dorian Godon, and the Australian duo of Jack Haig and Sam Welsford.

“I grew up watching Geraint, Dave and the team dominate the sport and put cycling on the map in the UK, so I am really proud to be joining the Grenadiers on a long-term deal, which will also mean racing for a British team when the Tour de France departs from Scotland in 2027," said Onley.

The Scot looks destined to lead the team at next year's Tour. Ineos have not won the Tour since 2019 and they haven't placed a rider on the podium since Geraint Thomas took third in 2022. Carlos Rodriguez has led the team's GC challenge in the past three years.

“The strongest teams I ever rode with had multiple, talented GC riders, and that’s what I feel we have now – super strong options for any stage of the race," Thomas said. "Oscar complements our rider roster perfectly, and it feels like we’re really on our way now.”