Get ready for an inspiring journey as we delve into the world of cycling and the ambitious dreams of Oscar Onley!
A Podium Finish in Sight?
Despite his remarkable fourth-place finish in the 2023 Tour de France, Oscar Onley remains humble and ambitious. He believes that a podium finish is within his grasp, but he's not getting ahead of himself. "I'm still a long way off," Onley confesses, "but with hard work and a bit of luck, I could be standing on that podium in the next couple of years."
And here's where it gets controversial... Onley isn't just aiming for the Tour de France; he's got his eyes on the Grand Tours in Italy and Spain too. "If the stars align," he says, "why not aim for the top spot there?"
The Road to Success
Onley's journey to the top has been a steady progression. After joining Team Picnic–PostNL in 2023, he quickly made his mark with an impressive uphill finish in the 2024 Tour Down Under. But it was in the 2023 Tour de France that he truly shone, finishing just a minute behind the third-place winner.
"It all came together so quickly," Onley recalls. "I started believing in myself more and more."
And this is the part most people miss: Onley's success wasn't just about physical prowess; it was about mental toughness and a clear strategy. He targeted stage wins, and with that focus, a podium finish became a realistic goal.
The Dream of Edinburgh
But it's not just about the Tour de France for Onley. He's got his sights set on a very special event in 2027 - the Grand Depart in Edinburgh. "It's going to be an incredible experience," he says. "Scotland knows how to put on a show, and I can't wait to be a part of it."
Cycling's Battle Against Drugs
Now, let's talk about a topic that's often controversial: performance-enhancing drugs in cycling. Onley has strong opinions on this matter. He believes that while the sport has made significant progress in the last decade, there's still room for improvement.
"I have a lot of trust in the systems we have in place," he says. "But I also know that there's no such thing as a completely clean sport. It's a constant battle, and I'm glad to be a part of it."
A Life on the Move
Onley's life as a professional cyclist is a globetrotting adventure. He calls the mountains of Andorra home, where he's surrounded by a vibrant cycling culture and fellow athletes.
"It's peaceful and beautiful," he describes. "And having friends nearby to train with makes it even better."
But amidst all the travel, there's one thing Onley misses dearly: a certain brand of fruit squash from his hometown in Scotland.
The Road Ahead
As we look forward to the new season, Oscar Onley's ambition and determination are undeniable. Will this be the year he achieves his dreams? Only time will tell.
Don't miss out on the latest updates! Catch more of Oscar Onley's story on the Saturday Show on BBC Radio Scotland.
