It had been in the making for some time, but now Picnic PostNL has officially reached an agreement with INEOS Grenadiers regarding the transfer of Oscar Onley. The British Tour revelation still had an ongoing contract with the Dutch team, but has now signed with the squad that includes Thymen Arensman and Egan Bernal.
After his impressive performance in the Tour de France, the team received several offers for his early transfer, all of which were initially rejected. "However, in recent days a very late but particularly attractive proposal followed. Although the team would have liked to keep Oscar until the end of his contract or even longer, this offer was too strong for both the rider and the team to refuse," Picnic PostNL stated.
An agreement has now been reached by all parties. "In the short term, the team will undoubtedly feel Oscar’s departure, especially given the timing in the season. At the same time, Picnic PostNL has full confidence in its own structure and development pathway. The team remains ambitious and strongly believes in the ability to continue developing world-class riders from the existing talent pool and remain competitive in the coming years. We expect to be operating at full strength again soon."
"This was a chance I couldn’t refuse"
Onley is "extremely proud" of what he has accomplished with Picnic PostNL in recent years. "The journey from the Development Programme to a fourth place in the Tour de France was incredible, and a clear proof of what this team can achieve with its riders. Both Team Picnic PostNL and INEOS Grenadiers have a rich history of competing for victories in Grand Tours, and I’m sure both teams will continue to do so in the coming years."
"The opportunity to represent the team from my homeland was one I couldn’t refuse, and I’m happy that a solution has been found. The memories I made here I will carry with me forever, and I know that I will face strong competition from the new generation of talents this team continues to develop in the future."
The team also sees Onley’s departure as "an economic boost that will support the further growth of the squad. We wish him every success in what lies ahead. And should he ever want to return, the door is always open. He will always be welcome to ride again in the jersey with the distinctive two stripes."
Team Picnic PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna also shares his thoughts on the departure of the fourth-place finisher from the recent Tour de France. "Our team focuses on maximizing rider development, and we have a proven track record in this. What Oscar has shown this year underscores that once again."
"Of course, we would have liked to keep him longer, but with the young talent already in-house and progressing through the Development Programme, we are confident that the next generation is ready to step up to the world-class level."
