Briton Oscar Onley, who finished fourth in the 2025 Tour de France, has been forced to withdraw from the 113th edition of the race due to a significant shoulder injury, his team Netcompany Ineos announced on Thursday. The 23-year-old Scot dislocated his shoulder in a crash during the Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes earlier this month.
Crash Details and Medical Findings
Onley crashed over a safety barrier on a speedy descent and was saved from a fall into a ravine when he was caught in the branches of a tree. Despite the crash, he managed to finish the sixth stage but rolled over the line almost half an hour after the stage winner. He subsequently pulled out of the race before the next stage. Further medical investigations confirmed the severity of the injury, ruling him out of the Tour de France, which starts on July 4 in Barcelona.
Team Statement and Rider Reaction
“Further medical investigations have confirmed a significant shoulder injury,” Netcompany Ineos said in a statement. “Unfortunately, this means Oscar will be unable to compete in this year’s Tour de France.” Onley expressed his disappointment: “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.”
Season of Setbacks
Onley has had a season disrupted by injuries and illness. He has been unable to finish in three of his five stage races this year. He finished fourth overall at the Tour of the Algarve in February but then had to pull out of Paris-Nice in March with illness. A stomach bug also forced him out of the Tour of Romandie a couple of months later. In between, he managed a disappointing 12th-place finish at the Tour of Catalonia. The Tour de France, one of cycling's most prestigious events, will proceed without one of its rising stars.
