The dream of a young cyclist can become reality. For Oscar Onley, joining INEOS Grenadiers isn't just a career move; it's a homecoming. It's the culmination of a childhood dream, a return to the team he idolized, the one he measured himself against.
"If I told 10-year-old me that I was going to be part of Team Sky, now INEOS, he wouldn't believe it," Onley confessed in a conversation on the INEOS Grenadiers YouTube channel. The speed of his ascent still amazes him.
The Tour Win That Changed Everything
When asked about his favorite moment in cycling history, Onley immediately pointed to the 2018 Tour de France victory. "I probably have to say it now because he's one of my bosses, but G winning the Tour in 2018 was pretty cool."
He watched British riders win before, but this was different. "I grew up watching Wiggins win the Tour as well, but I think when G won in 2018, it felt a little bit different."
What resonated with him wasn't just the victory, but the human element. "He wasn't someone who had been dominating before," Onley explained. "He doesn't make it look easy when he wins." This resonated with a young rider envisioning his own future.
From Fan to Teammate
Years later, Onley found himself racing alongside the very rider he once watched on television. "Over the last couple of years racing with him and seeing how hard he works, not just when he’s going for his own result but preparing for his goals, it’s something I really take inspiration from."
Now, with Geraint Thomas stepping into a Director of Racing role within the team, their relationship has deepened. "I was really glad when I heard that he was going to take on this new role and still be part of the team. I’ve already had quite a few phone calls and video calls with him.”
These conversations extend beyond tactics. "He was my age once and he knows what I’m going through and what to expect in the coming months and years,” Onley said. “He’s someone I can keep in contact with whenever I have a question, not just about cycling but about the team as well.”
The Team He Always Wanted
For Onley, INEOS has always been more than just a team. "It was the team I grew up wanting to join when I was younger, obviously being a British team at the time and having some of the top British talent." He was struck by the scale of support at races when he turned professional. The British connection still matters to him. "I think also having that British aspect is quite nice. Obviously, there are a lot of different nationalities on the team as well, but to still have that British core is exciting." He views INEOS as a team that seeks opportunities. "I think a team like INEOS is really good at looking at opportunities in other places and creating exciting racing moments, and hopefully I can be part of that."
Aiming for the Grandest Stages
Onley is clear about his goals. "I’m really looking forward to targeting the biggest races, the Grand Tours, with a team like this." He sees his arrival as part of a larger project. "I think it’s a really exciting project that we’re starting, with myself and also some other riders in the team."
His approach is focused. "I want to put myself in the best position possible to go into these races in the best form I can." The rest, he knows, is beyond his control. "Then whatever happens from there happens. That part is kind of out of my control. But my focus is on getting the most out of myself and arriving at these big targets in the best possible shape, and then seeing what happens."
Following in the Footsteps
In 2018, Geraint Thomas changed the perception of British riders at the sport's highest level. Eight years later, Oscar Onley, inspired by that victory, joins the same team, guided by the same figure, and aiming for the same summit. This time, he's not just watching; he's writing his own chapter.
What do you think about the impact of Geraint Thomas's victory? Share your thoughts in the comments!
