"Something for people higher up than me" - Geraint Thomas plays coy as INEOS reportedly near completion of Oscar Onley coup
Cycling
Geraint Thomas has declined to engage with growing speculation linking Oscar Onley to INEOS Grenadiers, as reports continue to suggest a transfer announcement could be imminent.
Speaking to Cycling News at the presentation of the 2026 Vuelta a Espana route, INEOS Grenadiers’ new director of racing was asked directly about the persistent rumours surrounding the Scottish rider. Thomas made clear that the situation sat outside his remit.
“I don't know what to say about it, I'm just focussing on the riders in the team, and he's not in the team at the minute, so that's something for people higher up than me,” Thomas explained.
INEOS distance maintained as speculation intensifies
The comments come amid widespread reporting that INEOS Grenadiers are closing in on a deal for the 23-year-old, who remains under contract with Picnic PostNL but has been repeatedly linked with a move following his breakthrough Tour de France campaign.
Despite the volume of transfer chatter, neither INEOS Grenadiers nor Onley himself have offered public comment on the status of any negotiations. Thomas’ remarks did little to clarify the situation, instead reinforcing the absence of official confirmation as anticipation continues to build.
High value move looms over Onley future
Recent reports have suggested that Picnic PostNL are holding firm due to the lack of a buyout clause in Onley’s current contract, with negotiations believed to centre on a substantial compensation fee. Until a definitive outcome emerges, the uncertainty surrounding one of the most talked-about riders on the market remains unresolved.
Thomas shifts focus to Vuelta a Espana route
While the Onley discussion dominated questions directed at Thomas, the former Tour de France winner was more forthcoming when turning his attention to the Vuelta a Espana, whose 2026 route was unveiled earlier this week.
“It’s a hard race and looks as hard as ever. The opening time trial is going to be amazing, very technical and grippy, it’ll be a good first test,” Thomas said.
He also referenced how the opening stages could shape the general classification battle.
“It’d be good for a guy like Roglic to gain some time on the climbers, so it’s definitely going to be key,” he added.
Leadership plans and life in a new role
Thomas confirmed that while INEOS Grenadiers already have a clear outline for their Giro d'Italia and Tour de France leadership plans, decisions around the Vuelta remain open.
“We’ve got a rough idea of who’ll be doing all three, but a lot can change,” he said. “There’s always some guys who don’t end up making the Tour or Giro who end up doing the Vuelta, so maybe on paper at this time of year, the line-up might not seem so deep, but it’s always super stacked by the end.”
As Thomas continues to settle into his new role within the organisation, he acknowledged that the transition from rider to sporting leadership is still in its early stages.
“It’s all new, very early days, but I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on when clarity will arrive regarding Onley’s future. Until then, INEOS Grenadiers’ public stance, at least through Thomas, remains one of distance rather than disclosure.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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