Oscar Onley’s long-awaited move to the Ineos Grenadiers for 2026 has finally been confirmed, as the promising grand tour contender revealed that he “couldn’t refuse” the opportunity to race for the British squad.
In the wake of his sensational breakthrough season in 2025, which saw him finish fourth overall at the Tour de France in July, where he was arguably the revelation of the race, 23-year-old Onley became the subject of intense speculation surrounding his future, despite being contracted to Dutch team Picnic PostNL until the end of 2027.
However, after avoiding relegation from the WorldTour – in no small part thanks to Onley’s superb season, which also included third overall at the Tour de Suisse – Picnic PostNL appeared confident that they could keep hold of the Scottish rider, one of six Brits on their books for 2026, and were keen to extend his deal beyond its current terms.
Nevertheless, in early December, reports emerged that the Ineos Grenadiers – on the look-out for a preferably British grand tour contender as they continue their rebuild, led by new director of racing Geraint Thomas – were working on a last-ditch bid to lure the Scotsman away from Picnic.
Those rumours escalated when Onley, returning from a stint training in Australia, did not show up for Picnic’s annual winter training camp in Spain, as negotiations began on a compensation package between the two teams.
And on Tuesday afternoon, Picnic PostNL confirmed that, after rejecting multiple bids for their new star rider, Onley was set to leave for Ineos, following a “very late but appealing offer” made in recent days.
“While the team would have loved to keep Oscar for the remainder of his contract and beyond, the proposal was not one Oscar or the team could refuse and an agreement has now been reached,” Picnic said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Onley says he is happy a “solution” has been reached.
“I’m extremely proud of what I’ve achieved with this team,” the 23-year-old said in a statement.
“Progressing through from the Development program to finishing fourth at the Tour de France has been incredible, and a real testament to what this team is able to do with riders.
“Both Team Picnic PostNL and Ineos Grenadiers have a great history of racing for victories in Grand Tours, and I know for a fact that both my current and new team will continue to do so in the coming years.
“The opportunity to represent the team of my home country was one I could not refuse and I’m happy that a solution was found. I’ll hold the memories made with this team close, and I know I’ll face tough competition from the next generation of talents they develop in the years to come.”
In a statement released by Ineos confirming the move, the Kelso rider continued: “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.
“I want to thank Team Picnic PostNL for all their support, I’m really proud of what we have achieved together. I’ll miss my friends in the team and hold the memories made with them close, and I know I’ll face tough competition from the next generation of talent they develop in the years to come.”
“Oscar’s performance in 2025 has been incredible really,” said newly installed Ineos director of racing Geraint Thomas.
“I rode my first Tour when I was 21, so to see what he achieved at this year’s Tour at just 22 was super 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.
“Our whole team has worked really hard over the winter to re-focus and re-set our ambition, changing our structures and processes to help us deliver against our goals. Oscar fits naturally with this project – and I’m confident the new system we’re building will help him achieve his absolute best.
“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. Oscar complements our rider roster perfectly, and it feels like we’re really on our way now.”
And, finally, Team Picnic PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna added: “Our team is all about getting the most out of our riders, and we have a credible track record of doing so. What Oscar has achieved this year is testament to that.
“We of course would have loved to have kept Oscar but knowing the young riders in our team and those coming through our Development program, we’re confident that the next generation is on the brink of becoming world-class riders.”
5 thoughts on “Oscar Onley’s move to Ineos Grenadiers confirmed, as British star says “opportunity to represent the team of my home country was one I couldn’t refuse””
BIG money made that happen..
BIG money made that happen…if he’s talking 2027 then ’26 is sectioned with appointed riders don’t forget Bernal is still wanting… amongst many others
He’s not only “talking 2027”,
He’s not only “talking 2027”, he just happened to mention that as being an opportunity to ride the Grand Depart in his home country. I’ll be astonished if, having picked up last year’s fourth-place finisher, INEOS don’t not only enter him for the 2026 Tour but make him their main GC focus.
It’s a shame that the British
It’s a shame that the British team is so hard to like with their current sponsor.
And they don’t seem to be as
And they don’t seem to be as good at developing young riders.
I recently read Luke Rowe’s autobiography. One interesting comment was that the squad training intensity and volume was much lower in recent years, than it was during the more successful times.
It would appear that the coaching is less innovative and effective.
Did he sign before he saw the
Did he sign before he saw the frightful new kit? Probably regretting that now