Rising cycling talent Oscar Onley, recently signed by Ineos Grenadiers, has declared his sights are firmly set on the 2026 Tour de France as his primary competitive focus. Onley, 23, previously secured a remarkable fourth-place finish at the Grand Tour in July, competing for Picnic PostNL before making the move to Ineos Grenadiers earlier this year.
In an interview released by Ineos Grenadiers prior to his Volta ao Algarve debut, Onley detailed his upcoming race schedule. He emphasized the Tour's importance, stating, "The Tour is the main focus for both myself and the team. I believe we possess a formidable lineup and approach it with several compelling objectives." His early season includes Algarve, followed by Paris-Nice, and then potentially the Volta a Catalunya, a race he enjoys and is familiar with due to its proximity to his residence. These events will serve as crucial preparation for his ultimate goal.
Ineos Grenadiers' recruitment of Onley signals their ambition to reclaim past Grand Tour glories, reminiscent of Team Sky's dominance from 2012 to 2019. Despite acknowledging the current dominance of Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, Onley remains confident about his prospects. He believes that with dedicated effort over the next few years, a podium finish at the Tour is attainable. Furthermore, he sees opportunities to contend for victories in other Grand Tours like the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España, where competition might be slightly less intense.
Onley's integration into Ineos Grenadiers began with a team camp in Tenerife, where he focused on understanding the team's dynamics and operational procedures. He expressed eagerness for the upcoming racing season, emphasizing his commitment to learning and adapting without immediate pressure to deliver top performances. His journey exemplifies the spirit of ambition and perseverance, showcasing a young athlete's dedication to reaching the pinnacle of his sport through strategic planning and unwavering commitment.