Imagine being a rising star in the cycling world, only to have your future fiercely guarded by your current team, despite lucrative offers pouring in from rivals. That’s exactly what’s happening with Oscar Onley, whose contract with Picnic PostNL has become the center of a quiet yet intense tug-of-war in the WorldTour scene. But here’s where it gets controversial: while multiple teams have made formal and informal bids to buy out his contract, Picnic PostNL has steadfastly refused, keeping the talented Scott firmly on their 2026 roster—at least for now. And this is the part most people miss: in an era where rider transfers often feel like a game of musical chairs, Picnic PostNL’s decision to hold onto Onley raises questions about loyalty, strategy, and the value of nurturing young talent.
Cyclingnews has learned that Picnic PostNL (https://www.cyclingnews.com/road/teams/uci-worldtour/2026/picnic-postnl/) has turned down several offers from rival WorldTour teams eager to secure Onley’s services. The team expects him to join their Spanish training camp as early as Tuesday, marking his return to Europe after a winter spent in Australia. During his time down under, Onley competed in the Tour of Bright (https://www.cyclingnews.com/pro-cycling/races/tour-of-bright-the-club-run-race-thats-got-oscar-onley-brodie-chapman-and-luke-plapp-pinning-on-a-number-in-december/), a race that showcased his growing prowess and hinted at why he’s become such a sought-after asset.
In a recent comment, Onley hinted at his ambitions, saying, ‘And you know… you also have to capitalize on what I’ve done this year, but, yeah, I can’t really say so much just now.’ His words suggest a rider who’s aware of his potential and the opportunities ahead, even if he’s playing his cards close to his chest.
Here’s the bold question: Is Picnic PostNL’s refusal to sell Onley’s contract a smart long-term investment, or are they risking alienating a rider who might feel stifled by their grip? History shows that early contract exits aren’t uncommon in cycling. Tom Dumoulin, for instance, ended his contract prematurely to join Jumbo-Visma in 2020, while Marcel Kittel left a year early to join Etixx–QuickStep in 2015. Riders like Michael Matthews and Marc Hirschi have made similar moves, proving that loyalty often takes a backseat to career advancement.
So, what do you think? Is Picnic PostNL making the right call by holding onto Onley, or should they consider the offers on the table? Let’s spark a debate—share your thoughts in the comments below!
