**The moment that Geraint Thomas clinched victory at the 2018 Tour de France was truly a turning point—an event that felt different and left a lasting impression. Now, eight years later, young cyclist Oscar Onley is stepping into the same team, INEOS Grenadiers, guided by the legacy of that historic win and the man who made it happen.
For Oscar Onley, signing with INEOS is far more than just a career milestone; it represents a heartfelt return to the team he admired growing up—a team that shaped his dreams and set his benchmarks. Reflecting on this journey, Onley shared on INEOS Grenadiers’ YouTube channel, “If I had told my ten-year-old self that I’d eventually join the team that was then known as Team Sky and is now INEOS, he wouldn’t believe it.” His rapid ascent in the sport continues to astonish him; “Even last year, I couldn’t have imagined this kind of progress.”
This swift rise hasn't come without its challenges, but for Onley, the significance of INEOS extends far beyond contracts or race schedules. It ties deeply into a narrative of inspiration and admiration rooted in his childhood heroes.
The Race That Inspired His Dream
When asked about the most memorable moment in cycling history for him, Onley points straight to a singular race. “It has to be Geraint Thomas winning the Tour de France in 2018—a moment that was really special to me,” he explains. While Onley had watched British cyclists like Bradley Wiggins claim victory before, Geraint’s win in 2018 stood out. “Growing up, I watched Wiggins win, but Geraint’s triumph felt different—it felt more personal.”
What resonated most was not just Geraint’s victory, but his authenticity. “He wasn’t someone who had been dominating all season, and he didn’t make his wins look effortless. That honest struggle made a mark on me,” Onley notes. For young, aspiring riders, this sense of realism and effort underscored that success is not just about heroics but about perseverance—an important lesson early in a racing career.
From Fan to Teammate
Many years later, that admiration turned into a professional relationship when Onley found himself racing alongside Geraint Thomas. “Watching him over recent years, I’ve seen how much effort he puts into every aspect of racing—whether it's chasing personal results or preparing for upcoming goals. It’s incredibly motivating,” Onley shares.
Now, with Thomas transitioning into a new role within INEOS as Director of Racing in 2025 (which involved an emotional retirement from competing at the Tour of Britain), their relationship has only grown stronger. “I was really pleased when I heard he’d be taking on this leadership role,” Onley says. “We’ve already spoken many times, through calls and video chats.”
These conversations extend beyond tactics. “He understands what I’m going through because he’s been in the same position,” Onley explains. “He knows what it’s like to aim for the top and navigate the uncertainties of a racing career. Having that mentorship and support is invaluable, especially as I step into a whole new environment.”
Always a Dream Team
For Onley, INEOS has always represented more than just another elite WorldTour team. Growing up in Britain, he dreamed of joining a team with a distinctly national identity and top-tier talent. “From the start of my professional journey, I was drawn to INEOS because of its support system and its British roots,” he recalls. The scale of support he first observed at races—an impressive and motivating sight—left a lasting impression.
He also appreciates the team’s bold, proactive racing style. “INEOS doesn’t just wait for the race to come to them; they look for opportunities elsewhere and create exciting moments,” he enthuses. Even in a diverse, international squad, the British core remains a source of pride for him.
Setting sights on the Grand Tours
Looking ahead, Onley is determined to make his mark in the sport’s biggest stages. “My primary goal now is to target the Grand Tours—Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España—with this team,” he states confidently. He views his signing as a foundation for something greater—part of an exciting project involving himself and fellow team riders.
But he’s also pragmatic. “I want to build on last season’s progress and prove I belong among the best in these prestigious races,” he emphasizes. His game plan is straightforward: “I’ll work tirelessly to reach peak form and position myself as well as possible for these events.” Beyond that, he admits, much of the outcome depends on factors outside his control. “Once I’ve prepared my best, whatever happens is up to fate, but my focus remains on giving my all.”
Following the Path of Geraint Thomas
In 2018, Geraint Thomas redefined what it means for British riders to reach the sport’s highest echelons. He did so with humility and grit, never pretending success was easy. Now, as the rider who watched that moment unfold, Oscar Onley is stepping into the same team, mentored by Thomas, aiming for the same summit.
But this time, Onley isn’t just a spectator. He’s here to carve out his own story, to challenge the narratives, and perhaps even to redefine what’s possible for the next generation of British cyclists. Will he live up to the legacy, or will he forge a new path altogether? The road is open for discussion—what do you think about his ambitions and the role of mentorship in cycling success? Share your thoughts below!
