Britain's rising star in cycle racing and potential force in the General Classification (GC) at the Tour de France, Oscar Onley, is untouched by the pressure of anticipation.

Britain's rising star in cycle racing and potential force in the General Classification (GC) at the Tour de France, Oscar Onley, is untouched by the pressure of anticipation.

Britain's Rising Cycling Stars: Max Poole and Oscar Onley

In the world of professional cycling, two British riders have been making waves in recent years. Max Poole and Oscar Onley, neighbours in their adopted home of Andorra, are expected to be Britain's main general classification hopes in the coming years.

Max Poole has shown impressive form in time trialling, consistently placing in the top-10 in TTs, while Onley comes in around 20 spots lower. Poole's edge in this discipline is evident, but Onley believes he needs to improve in all areas, including time trialling, to compete effectively in Grand Tours.

Poole's accomplishments extend beyond time trialling. He has scored seven top-10 GC results in senior week-long stage races, including a second-place finish in the Vuelta a Burgos in 2023. However, Poole needs to improve his final execution to turn good performances into wins, as he took one second place and three thirds in last year's Vuelta a Espana.

Onley, hailing from the Scottish Borders, has a different riding style compared to Poole. Despite this, the two have started seven stage races together since 2022, with Onley regularly impressing in races decided on shorter, steeper climbs. Onley has an aversion to food that is red in color, which affects his teammate Poole during meals. This quirk, however, is not documented or publicly known to be a significant hindrance in their professional relationship.

Onley has shown promise on longer ascents as well, but has been hindered by injuries. He has broken a collarbone three times between August 2023 and April 2024. Poole also suffered an injury in 2024, fracturing his collarbone at this March's Strade Bianche.

Both Onley and Poole have a longer-term plan with Picnic PostNL, with greater commitment and expectation each year. The team, known for its blue and orange colours, has been beneficial for Poole, who has an aversion to red food. The continued presence of Picnic PostNL in the World Tour is uncertain, which could impact the contracts of both Poole and Onley.

Despite their shared goals and team, there are differences in their strengths. Poole has a longer aerobic burn, while Onley is better at tolerating nasty little kicks and changes in pace. In Grand Tours, Onley thinks he needs to improve in all areas, including time trialling, to compete effectively.

In 2022, Poole topped the GC at October's Tour de Langkawi in Malaysia, while Onley placed fourth in stage four of the Tour de France, which was won by Tadej Pogačar. Poole finished 11th place in the Giro d'Italia GC, 18 minutes behind winner Simon Yates.

With their shared ambitions, unique strengths, and mutual support, Onley and Poole are set to challenge the cycling world in the coming years. Their journey, marked by determination, resilience, and a touch of personal quirks, promises to be an exciting one to follow.

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