Former pupil joins world elite with major transfer deal

Former Longridge Towers School cyclist Oscar Onley is delighted to move to British team Ineos Grenadiers and try on the new kit for 2026.

FORMER Longridge Towers School pupil Oscar Onley has capped a breakthrough year by clinching a move to world-leading cycling team, Ineos Grenadiers.

The 23-year-old rider from Kelso has stamped his mark on the peloton since turning pro at just 19, with a string of impressive results against quality opponents. That was topped with an incredible fourth place at the 2025 Tour de France, aged just 22, with his former team Picnic PostNL, which made him the youngest-ever finisher in the top 10 and matched the best-ever finish by a Scot, the fourth place claimed by Robert Millar in 1984.

Oscar said he was delighted to join Ineos, which used to be Team Sky, having grown up with pictures of Team Sky riders like Chris Froome on his garage wall. With Dave Brailsford back as Director of Sport, and now retired World Champion and Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas the new Director of Racing, Ineos Grenadiers are aiming to regain Team Sky’s place among the world’s best.

‘I am really proud’ – Oscar

Oscar commented: “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.”

‘I can’t wait to work with him’ – Geraint Thomas

Geraint Thomas, said: “Oscar’s performance in 2025 has been incredible really. 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.

“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. Oscar complements our rider roster perfectly, and it feels like we’re really on our way now.”

Longridge Head of Pastoral and PE teacher Andrew Skeen was also delighted with the news and the school has shared its congratulations with the Onley family.

‘Not surprised he is making his mark’ – Mr Skeen

“Oscar was a very bright, enthusiastic pupil at Longridge and we could see from an early age that he was going to be successful in whatever sport he chose to follow because of the dedicated way he applied himself. So, while his achievements so far are quite breathtaking, I have to say I’m not surprised that he is making his mark on the world stage.

“We are delighted to see his career go from strength to strength, and, as with every former pupil, we continue to follow and support him and his family every step of the way.”