Oscar Onley Ready to Make Ineos Grenadiers Debut at Volta ao Algarve

Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal – Oscar Onley is set to begin a new chapter in his cycling career as he makes his debut for Ineos Grenadiers at the Volta ao Algarve, starting Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The 23-year-old Scot, who transferred from Picnic PostNL in December, is focused on integrating with his new team rather than immediate performance expectations.

A Shift in Focus Towards the Tour de France

While Onley initially anticipated beginning the 2026 season at the Tour Down Under, the late transfer to Ineos Grenadiers prompted a realignment of his racing schedule. The team’s primary objective for the year is the Tour de France, a goal Onley fully embraces. “It’s no secret that the Tour is the main focus for the year, for myself and for the team. I think we have a really strong line up there and quite a few different and exciting goals going into it as well,” Onley stated in a team interview according to Cyclingnews.

Joining Forces with Vauquelin

Onley will not be the only rider making his Ineos Grenadiers debut at the Volta ao Algarve. Kévin Vauquelin, who joined from Arkéa-B&B Hotels, will as well be competing in the five-stage race. Both riders finished in the top ten overall at the 2025 Tour de France – Onley in fourth and Vauquelin in seventh – highlighting the team’s investment in potential Grand Tour contenders as reported by Cycling Weekly.

Prioritizing Team Integration

Despite his strong performance in 2025, Onley is approaching his first race with Ineos Grenadiers with a focus on learning and integration. “I’m just looking forward to getting stuck into some racing this week. The main focus is really learning how the team works – you know I’m still learning where all the draws are on the bus are – so from a performance side, I don’t feel any pressure to perform straight away,” Onley explained. He emphasized the importance of team cohesion and enjoying the process of getting to know his new teammates as reported by Cyclingnews.

Looking Ahead to Paris-Nice and Volta a Catalunya

Following the Volta ao Algarve, Onley’s schedule includes participation in Paris-Nice (March 8-15) and, potentially, Volta a Catalunya (March 23-29). These races will serve as key preparation events leading up to the Tour de France, where he aims to build upon his fourth-place finish from the previous year according to Cyclingnews.

Ineos Grenadiers Lineup

Onley and Vauquelin will be joined by a strong Ineos Grenadiers team at the Volta ao Algarve, including Thymen Arensman, Filippo Ganna, Kim Heiduk, Laurens De Plus and Bob Jungels as reported by IDLProCycling.