'Offer was too strong' - Oscar Onley to link up with Geraint Thomas at Ineos Grenadier after ending contract with Picnic PostNL early
Updated 23/12/2025 at 20:32 GMT
Picnic PostNL admitted that Ineos Grenadiers' offer was "too strong for both the rider and the team to refuse," as they confirmed that Oscar Onley would leave the Dutch side to join Ineos Grenadier in 2026, cutting short a contract that ran through until the end of 2027. The Scottish rider finished fourth overall at the Tour de France, and speculation was rampant around his future.
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Oscar Onley has signed with Ineos Grenadiers for the 2026 season, ending his contract with Picnic PostNL early.
The Scottish rider was contracted with Picnic PostNL through to the end of 2027, but has moved to the British team in a late-season move.
The Dutch team revealed that they received several offers for Onley following his impressive performance at the Tour de France and initially rejected all offers.
However in an announcement to mark Onley's departure, they revealed that Ineos' late offer was "exceptionally attractive".
The 23-year-old had been the subject of fierce transfer speculation over the last few months, but Picnic PostNL confirmed the move on Tuesday.
"Although the team would have liked to keep Oscar until the end of his contract or even longer, this offer was too strong for both the rider and the team to refuse. An agreement has now been reached," Picnic PostNL said.
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Onley finished fourth overall at this year's Tour de France and was a central part of the success that his team experienced across the season.
Despite that, both Onley and Picnic PostNL found it difficult to say no when Ineos came calling.
"I grew up watching Geraint, Dave and the team dominate the sport and put cycling on the map in the UK," Onley said in a statement released by Ineos.
"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."
Onley was developed by Picnic PostNL, joining their development team in 2021, and the financial aspect of the move would have been a huge factor in their decision-making.
Team Picnic PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna said: "Our team is all about developing riders to their full potential, and we have a proven track record in that regard. What Oscar has shown this year underscores that once again.
"Of course, we would have liked to keep him longer, but with the young talent we already have and those advancing through the Development Program, we are convinced that the next generation is ready to reach the world elite."
Onley now serves as part of a new chapter for the Ineos, as they hope for an improved 2026 after an indifferent 2025 season.
Onley will have the tutelage of newly-signed and experienced rider Jack Haig, as well as key riders such as Filippo Ganna, Thymen Arensman, and Josh Tarling as team-mates.
The recently-retired Geraint Thomas has been appointed as Ineos' new director of racing, and sees Onley as an important of the team's project going forward.
"Oscar’s performance in 2025 has been incredible really," Thomas said.
"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.
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"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."
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