Team Picnic PostNL agree transfer of Oscar Onley

Team Picnic PostNL have agreed to the transfer of Oscar Onley. Following his fantastic Tour de France, the team received multiple offers for Oscar’s release, all of which were initially declined. However, a very late but appealing offer was made in recent days. While the team would have loved to keep Oscar for the remainder of his contract and beyond, the proposal was not one Oscar or the team could refuse and an agreement has now been reached.

Oscar’s progression from our Development program to Tour de France podium contender is a clear confirmation of our philosophy: Keep Challenging, and our ability to develop riders to the very top of the sport. In the very short term, the team will undoubtedly feel Oscar’s absence – given the timing in the season. That said, we have full confidence in our structure and development pipeline. We remain ambitious and trust in our ability as a team to continue producing world-class riders and be competitive with the talent that we have in the years ahead. We expect to return to full strength quickly.

Oscar Onley said: “I’m extremely proud of what I’ve achieved with this team. Progressing through from the Development program to finishing 4th at the Tour de France has been incredible, and a real testament to what this team is able to do with riders. Both Team Picnic PostNL and INEOS Grenadiers have a great history of racing for victories in Grand Tours, and I know for a fact that both my current and new team will continue to do so in the coming years. The opportunity to represent the team of my home country was one I could not refuse and I’m happy that a solution was found. I’ll hold the memories made with this team close, and I know I’ll face tough competition from the next generation of talents they develop in the years to come.”

Team Picnic PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna said: “Our team is all about getting the most out of our riders, and we have a credible track record of doing so. What Oscar has achieved this year is testament to that. We of course would have loved to have kept Oscar but knowing the young riders in our team and those coming through our Development program, we’re confident that the next generation is on the brink of becoming world-class riders.”

This transfer is a testament to Oscar’s season and to the team’s success, built on a strong commitment to its distinctive Keep Challenging approach of getting the best out of its riders. That approach delivers sporting highlights such as Oscar’s performances at the Tour de Suisse and the Tour de France and now creates an economic boost to support the team’s continued growth through the transfer. Oscar was a great fit in our team, connecting naturally with everyone and aligning perfectly with our spirit and ambitions. We wish him all the best for what comes next, and if he ever wishes to return, he’ll always be welcomed back ‘home’ to race in our two-striped kit again.