“It will be different from the prologue” - INEOS DS confirms Oscar Onley’s sole objective of defending the white jersey in the Vuelta time trial
Cycling
The 2026 Vuelta a Espana is heading into its final stretch and Stage 17, between Dos Hermanas and Sevilla, looked on paper like a transitional day for the general classification riders and another opportunity for the sprinters. For Netcompany INEOS, it was more the former, with Oscar Onley in mind and the question of how to defend the white jersey in the Stage 18 time trial.
Speaking exclusively to CyclingUpToDate, Netcompany technical director Imanol Erviti explained the team’s strategy for protecting Oscar Onley, who remains involved in the general classification battle while also fighting an important contest for the best young rider’s white jersey.
Erviti believes the stage between Dos Hermanas and Sevilla is primarily one for the sprinters, although he does not rule out the race conditions producing some tense moments. “Well, it’s a bit of a transitional stage for the GC riders and an opportunity for the sprinters,” explained the Netcompany technical director.
The interest among some teams in controlling the race will be obvious, particularly with a potential sprint finish in mind. “Visma and Cofidis will definitely have a lot of interest in making sure it comes down to a good sprint,” Erviti said.
However, the route also contains some exposed sections and there is the possibility that the wind could play a significant role. The forecast did not suggest especially difficult conditions, but Erviti believes that does not necessarily mean it will be a quiet day. “It’s a day where there are exposed areas and there could be a bit of spice,” he said.
Asked about the possibility of echelons forming, Erviti explained that the weather forecast did not suggest a particularly windy day: “The prediction is that there will be little wind. Maybe it won’t be enough for splits to happen, but there will definitely be tension.”
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Netcompany’s objective: protect Oscar Onley
For Netcompany, the priority is clear. Oscar Onley is right in the middle of the general classification battle and any incident on a stage such as the one to Sevilla could have significant consequences.
That is why the team’s main objective is not to seek a prominent role in the sprint, but to keep the young rider away from any trouble. “In principle, what we are looking for is safety and calm with Oscar Onley,” Erviti explained.
That does not mean Netcompany will completely give up the possibility of being involved in the finale. Axel Laurance is also in good form and could try to take advantage of the opportunity if the race develops in the right way. “But Axel Laurance is also feeling good and, if everything is under control and straightforward, then maybe we’ll see him getting involved up there,” Erviti said.
The priority, therefore, will be to avoid unnecessary risks with Onley, although Laurance will have the freedom to try to take his chance if the circumstances of the race allow it.
Oscar Onley has held the White Jersey for much of La Vuelta 2026
Onley 30 seconds down in the white jersey battle
Beyond the general classification, Netcompany have another very specific objective in the closing days of the Vuelta: the best young rider’s white jersey. Oscar Onley sits 30 seconds behind Jakob Omrzel, a gap that could prove significant but still leaves the battle open ahead of the time trial between Puerto de Santa Maria and Jerez de la Frontera.
Erviti acknowledges that there are some unknowns surrounding Omrzel’s performance against the clock, precisely because of the rider’s youth. “We don’t really have many time trial references for Jakob either because he is super young and we haven’t seen too many,” he explained.
However, there is one precedent that gives Netcompany reason to remain cautious: Omrzel already showed a strong level in the Vuelta prologue, even finishing ahead of Onley. “But he did a good prologue, better than Oscar in that respect,” Erviti recalled.
The major difference will be the characteristics of the Jerez time trial, which are very different from those of the prologue. “But tomorrow is different,” he stressed.
The conservative strategy Netcompany used
Erviti also raised an interesting point ahead of the time trial. As he explained, Netcompany decided to be particularly conservative with Onley through the technical section of the previous effort against the clock. “I think with Oscar we were even too conservative in the technical section and lost quite a few seconds, but that was how we preferred it,” he admitted.
That decision reflected the need to protect a rider who is fighting for important objectives in the general classification. Now, with only 30 seconds separating him from Omrzel in the young rider classification, the team will have to strike a balance between taking the necessary risks and maintaining control.
In any case, Erviti does not believe everything will be decided in the time trial. Even if Onley loses a few seconds, there will still be enough terrain remaining to try to recover the deficit. “If we lose a few, we have the final Andalusian trilogy between Malaga and Granada to get them back,” he said.
And the team’s position going into the final days is unequivocal: “Yes, we’re going to fight.”
The Sevilla stage will therefore be a day on which Netcompany will try to keep a low profile, keep Oscar Onley away from trouble and save all their strength for a white jersey battle that remains completely open. With only 30 seconds between the Briton and Omrzel, the time trial and the final Andalusian stages will decide who finishes the Vuelta in white.
Jorge BorregueroWriter
Jorge Borreguero is a journalist with a degree from the Complutense University of Madrid and has been a writer for Cyclinguptodate and Ciclismoaldia since early 2023. In this role, he has played a key part in the evolution of the website, particularly as a specialist covering Movistar Team. He regularly writes race reports, analytical pieces, and in-depth features about the team, and has conducted exclusive interviews and attended multiple team presentations, providing readers with firsthand insights into one of the leading professional cycling squads.
Throughout his career, Jorge has maintained a strong focus on sports journalism, gaining experience across a variety of disciplines, including basketball and football. However, his current work is almost entirely dedicated to cycling, contributing extensively to Ciclismoaldia and its sister website Cyclinguptodate. For these platforms, he combines thorough research with detailed reporting to deliver high-quality content, ranging from race previews and results to expert analysis of teams and riders.
Jorge’s reporting is marked by accuracy, depth, and a commitment to providing readers with reliable and authoritative information. His direct engagement with teams, athletes, and events ensures that his coverage reflects firsthand knowledge and professional insight. Through his work, he has established himself as a trusted voice in professional cycling journalism, bridging the gap between the sport and its global audience while maintaining rigorous editorial standards.
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