British rider Oscar Onley has been ruled out of this summer’s Tour de France due to a shoulder injury, marking a significant setback in an already challenging season for the 23-year-old.

Onley crashed during the Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, a prestigious one-week stage race, where he fell over a roadside barrier and narrowly avoided a steep ravine on stage six. Although he completed that stage, he chose not to start the following day, leading Netcompany-Ineos to announce a dislocated shoulder and a knee injury.

Despite initial hopes for his participation in the Tour, a team statement confirmed that medical evaluations revealed "a significant shoulder injury," preventing Onley from competing. The statement expressed optimism for his recovery: "He has already begun rehabilitation and is making encouraging progress. We wish Oscar a full and speedy recovery."

This withdrawal is a further blow to Ineos, which was already facing challenges with the potential loss of time-trialist Josh Tarling, who also crashed and fractured his collarbone.

Onley expressed his disappointment, stating, "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."

Having joined Netcompany-Ineos after a breakout year with Picnic PostNL, where he finished fourth at the previous Tour de France and second in the young riders’ classification, Onley has struggled to find his form this season due to illness. He previously finished fourth overall at the Volta ao Algarve but had to abandon both Paris-Nice and Tour de Romandie due to health issues.

As he recovers, Onley remains eager to support his teammates in the upcoming Tour, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.