Oscar Onley misses Tour de France after significant shoulder injury
British cyclist Oscar Onley has been ruled out of the upcoming Tour de France after sustaining a significant shoulder injury during the Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes.
The 23-year-old dislocated his shoulder and suffered a knee issue when he plunged over a roadside barrier two weeks ago.
He managed to narrowly avoid a steep ravine after crashing into tree cover during stage six of the week-long race in France.
Despite initially hoping to recover in time for the Grand Tour start on 4 July, subsequent medical scans confirmed the severity of the damage.
A major blow for Netcompany-Ineos
The Scottish rider’s absence leaves a significant void in his team’s roster for the sport’s biggest race.
Netcompany-Ineos released a statement on Thursday confirming their homegrown star had already begun his rehabilitation process.
“Unfortunately, this means Oscar will be unable to compete in this year’s Tour de France.”
“He has already begun rehabilitation and is making encouraging progress. We wish Oscar a full and speedy recovery.”
The British outfit’s planned squad is further depleted by the likely absence of time-trial specialist Josh Tarling.
Tarling fractured his collarbone in the exact same stage six pile-up that ended his teammate’s Tour hopes.
Frustration after a breakout year
Missing the showcase event caps a frustrating maiden season with the rebranded squad for the Kelso-born climber.
He was forced to abandon Paris-Nice earlier this year due to illness, disrupting his crucial early-season momentum.
“I’m gutted not to be able to line up for the Tour de France this year.”
“My focus is now on recovering and getting my shoulder in a good place, but I’m really motivated to try and make something out of this season.”
Trying to replicate past heroics
The talented youngster burst onto the global stage during last year’s Tour, battling valiantly against established superstars Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard.
Riding for his previous team, Picnic PostNL, he secured a remarkable fourth-place overall finish in the general classification.
He narrowly missed the final podium by just one minute and 12 seconds, while also claiming second place in the young riders’ standings behind Florian Lipowitz.
His current team will now have to navigate the gruelling mountain stages without their marquee contender.
