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#TourDeFrance2025 #GeraintThomas #OscarOnley #JoeBlackmore #CyclingLegends #BreakthroughTalent #MontVentoux #AlpsChallenge #TourDeL’Avenir #CyclingFuture #PyrénéanHurdles #TeamIneos #PicnicPostNL #IsraelPremierTech #KeepChallenging
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The 2025 Tour de France has seen a shift in British cycling focus, with younger talents stepping into the limelight as Geraint Thomas, the 2018 winner, nears the end of his illustrious career. While Thomas and his Ineos Grenadiers team have struggled to make a significant impact, two young British riders—Oscar Onley and Joe Blackmore—are emerging as promising contenders, showcasing the potential of a new generation of British cyclists.
### Oscar Onley: The Quiet Contender
Oscar Onley, the 22-year-old leader of Team Picnic-PostNL, has been a standout performer in his second Tour de France. Despite predictions that he might fade in the high mountains, Onley has defied expectations and is currently fifth overall after stage 14. His performance at Peyragudes, where he finished seventh in the time trial, demonstrated his resilience and climbing prowess, as he held his own against the likes of Tadej Pogačar, who has dominated this year’s race.
Onley’s journey to this point hasn’t been without challenges. In his debut Tour in 2024, he struggled with the overwhelming scale of the event, admitting, “I was like, ‘what am I doing here?’” However, this year, he has acclimated better, focusing on the race itself rather than the surrounding media frenzy. “Once you’re racing, it’s just another bike race,” he said, emphasizing his calm and understated approach.
His ability to adapt and perform in a three-week Grand Tour has impressed many, including his teammate Warren Barguil, who described Onley as “the biggest talent I have ever ridden with.” Onley’s success in the Tour of Switzerland earlier this year, where he finished third overall and won a stage, hinted at his potential, but his performance in the Tour de France has solidified his status as a rising star.
### Joe Blackmore: A Debut to Remember
While Onley has been the center of attention, another young Brit, Joe Blackmore, is quietly making his mark in his Tour de France debut. The 22-year-old Israel-Premier Tech rider, who won the Tour de l’Avenir (often referred to as the “U23 Tour de France”) in 2024, is currently placed 37th overall. Blackmore’s success in l’Avenir was built on a stage win at La Rosière and a strong performance on the Colle delle Finestre, both of which are in the Alps, his preferred mountain range.
Blackmore’s Tour debut has been a baptism of fire, as he navigates the longest race of his career. “I’ve not even done 10 days in a row before,” he admitted, highlighting the physical and mental challenges of a three-week Grand Tour. Despite the unfamiliarity, Blackmore has shown promise, particularly in the mountainous stages, where his climbing skills could come to the fore in the final week.
Looking ahead, Blackmore is focused on gaining experience and learning from the race. “The main reason I’m here is to get the experience in my legs—and in my head,” he said. He is particularly excited about the iconic Mont Ventoux and the final stages in the Alps, where he hopes to make an impact.
### The Road Ahead
Both Onley and Blackmore face a grueling final week in the Tour de France, with challenging stages in the Alps and the legendary Mont Ventoux. For Onley, maintaining his top-5 position will require continued resilience and adaptability, while Blackmore aims to gain valuable experience and test his limits in the high mountains.
Their performances so far have already marked them as riders to watch in the future. Onley’s ability to handle the pressure of a Grand Tour and Blackmore’s determination to learn and grow under the brightest spotlight suggest that British cycling has a bright future beyond the era of Geraint Thomas and the Ineos Grenadiers dynasty.
As the Tour progresses, the focus will remain on these young talents, who are not only representing a new generation of British cyclists but also signaling a potential shift in the landscape of professional cycling. Whether they continue to shine in the final stages or face setbacks, their journey in the 2025 Tour de France is a testament to their potential and the enduring appeal of the sport.
