At 22 years old, Oscar Onley has quickly risen through the ranks of professional cycling. A member of the Dutch WorldTour team Picnic PostNL, Onley has already marked his career with impressive achievements, including a second-place finish at the 2024 Tour of Britain and winning the Best Young Rider classification. He also claimed victory in stage five of the Tour Down Under and made his debut at the prestigious Tour de France.
In an exclusive interview, Onley shares insights into his journey, the challenges of his career, and his goals for the future.
From Kelso to the WorldTour: A Journey Began at Age 10
Born in Kelso, Scotland, Onley’s introduction to cycling came at the age of 10. Living close to the local Kelso Wheelers cycling club, he quickly became involved in the sport. His mother, a fan of the Tour de France, also helped cultivate an early interest in cycling. However, Onley admits that he didn’t initially envision a professional career.
“I always wanted to become a pro, but I didn’t really believe it was possible,” he said. “When I joined the AG2R junior team, that’s when I started thinking about it more seriously. But it wasn’t until I signed my first pro contract that I truly realized it was within my reach.”
Despite early doubts, Onley’s determination led him to sign with Picnic PostNL and eventually debut on cycling’s grandest stage.
First Steps in Racing: A Humble Start
Onley’s first race took place at Ingliston Park in Edinburgh, where he finished 10th in the Youth C category. Reflecting on that early experience, he recalls the race’s winner, Alfie George, now a professional cyclist in France, who triumphed by a wide margin.
A Memorable First Bike
At 10 years old, Onley received his first racing bike, a bright orange Coyote, which he remembers as heavy but full of promise for his budding career.
Cycling Heroes: The Influence of Andy Schleck
When asked about his cycling inspirations, Onley cited Andy Schleck as a key figure during his youth. The rivalry between Schleck and Alberto Contador during the Tour de France left a lasting impression on him, especially their dramatic showdown on the Tourmalet, which remains one of his most vivid memories from the race.
The World Awaits: Best Career Moments and Future Goals
Onley’s career has already taken him across the globe. He fondly recalls his recent trip to Japan for the Saitama Criterium, where he explored Tokyo and immersed himself in a unique culture. He has also raced in China, offering him a refreshing contrast to European competitions.
Looking ahead, Onley is focused on continuing his progression, with a particular goal in mind for the upcoming Tour de France. After a solid debut last year, where he spent several days in the breakaway and finished fifth in one stage, Onley aims to win a stage in 2025. “If I could win a stage, that would be a really satisfying goal,” he said.
Life Beyond Cycling: Future Aspirations
Though cycling is his current passion, Onley has already thought about life after his professional career. He dreams of opening a café, an idea he’s been nurturing for some time. Additionally, Onley enjoys cooking and reading, with a particular interest in geopolitics, as evidenced by his current book, The Power of Geography.
The Importance of Enjoying the Ride
Reflecting on advice he’s received, Onley shared that early in his career, he found the phrase “enjoy it” somewhat irritating. However, now that cycling is his job, he fully understands its significance. “There are parts of cycling that are really hard, so if you don’t enjoy it, you can’t make a career out of it,” he explained. For Onley, enjoying the entire journey—despite its ups and downs—is essential to long-term success.
As he looks to 2025, Onley remains determined to continue his climb up the cycling ranks, with ambitions of winning at the highest level and cementing his place among the sport’s best.
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