Onley the ‘introverted extrovert’ riding high

In his second Tour de France, Scottish Cycling claimed that he would “target stages,” with the general classification serving as a secondary goal.

The 22-year-old Kelso native described his accomplishment as having “a dream” after placing fourth overall in the standings.

Onley was the best-ever finish by a Scottish rider, matching the feat of compatriot Philippa York (then known as Robert Millar) in 1984.

Onley has made steady progress since joining his Dutch team in the senior ranks in 2023, and those who follow cycling closely will be aware of that.

But his involvement with the Scottish Borders began when the time trial route for the local club Kelso Wheelers crossed his front door.

Before making a bike, Onley juggled a lot of sports, particularly cross-country running.

He referred to himself as “never the best” as a youngster, but as he grew physically, his results increased.

His biggest breakthrough was at the 2024 Tour Down Under, when he won the final race to claim his first professional victory.

The Scot finished second overall in the Tour of Britain.

In addition to all of this, he also suffered two collision-related collarbones.

He has bounced back this year, and he won stage five of the Tour de Suisse last month.

Onley is based in Andorra’s high mountains and is most at ease when the road gradient causes leg strain. It was forged in the rolling hills of the south of Scotland.

Onley stated to ITV, “We never really had the intention to pursue GC general classification.” More important, just watch how things turn out.

To be honest, I’ve never even considered a top five ranking in the Tour before, so getting it on my first GC try is quite incredible and I’m looking forward to the future.

It gives me a lot of confidence for the upcoming races because these are the best-prepared and fastest competitors. Why can’t I do it in other races if I can do it here?

The team didn’t put any pressure on them. They handled that really well because, in my opinion, you receive much more attention when you say you’re going for GC. I’ve just taken the tour, which is already stressful enough, and I’ve only been there to ride and compete. I’ve just taken it as it comes.

Although a final list of riders is not yet confirmed, Picnic-Post NL is participating in the seven-stage Tour de Pologne in Poland, which begins on August 4.