"One moment I’m on the bike, the next I’m on the ground" - Oscar Onley loses serious time after La Vuelta crash
CyclingFriday, 04 September 2026 at 11:00
Oscar Onley had until stage 12 been in the fight for the overall win at the Vuelta a España but that might have ended in Calar Alto. The Netcompany INEOS rider struggled on the final climb after a rough day where he suffered a crash, eventually losing important time in the fight for the overall classification.
Onley was selected for the Vuelta as INEOS' leader following his withdrawal from the Tour de France lineup. The Scottish climber had suffered an injury at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône Alpes and refocused his efforts on the Spanish Grand Tour, perhaps best suited to his abilities - featuring shorter and more explosive stages.
Until stage 12 he had done quite well. An error in pacing saw him shed some time on stage 6 to Castelló, but otherwise the INEOS rider looked strong. On stage 9, he was the only rider able to follow race leader Enric Mas on the Alto de Aitana, meaning his fourth place still cast a danger on the Spaniard and specially those on the podium.
Oscar Onley continues to lead the youth classification at the Vuelta a España
Onley crashes early on stage 12
But this Thursday was a difficult day for Onley, victim of a crash early on in the day in a roundabout. He isn't sure how the crash happened: “To be honest, I have no idea. One moment I’m on the bike, the next I’m on the ground. Maybe the roads here are slippery,” he said in a post-race interview.
Whilst he did not appear injured, there were wounds and Onley would have to carry them all throughout a tough mountain stage.
Jack Haig saves Onley on Calar Alto
As Felix Gall attacked on Calar Alto, Onley was dropped from the front group, and joined forced with Richard Carapaz who was chasing. Eventually, Carapaz and Gregor Muhlberger made their way back into the Felix Gall group whilst the 23-year old had been dropped.
Onley lost 5:05 minutes on the line to Jakob Omrzel who has now become his main threat for both the white jersey and a position in the Top5, whilst he lost over two minutes on the road to Enric Mas.
Still, it could've been worst, as he found support in Jack Haig from the breakaway on the climb's flat section, effectively limiting his losses.
“Physically my legs felt okay, but I couldn’t really push myself. I rode at my own pace and caught up with Jack, who helped me a lot to limit the time loss. He helped me recover on the flat sections. He did a very good job,” Onley concluded.
Rúben SilvaEditor-in-Chief
A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
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Originally from the Porto metropolitan area in Portugal, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography. His path into cycling journalism was shaped not through formal media training, but through independent reporting, community engagement, and sustained on-the-ground involvement in the sport.
Over the course of his career, he has conducted approximately 100 interviews across road cycling and cyclocross, ranging from one-to-one conversations and online formats to press conferences and on-site pre- and post-race coverage. His interviews include leading riders, team managers, and prominent figures within cycling media: Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert, Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock; managers like Patrick Lefevere and Joxean Matxin; and YouTube personality Bryan Kennedy (BKXC)...
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- Yep we need charcters like Remco. Cycling would not be as much fun to watch without characters like Remco.Cyclingsbestfan04-09-2026
- I think you could safely call this fall "bad luck", there was no rhyme or reason to it. Oscar since he signed for Ineos has had his fair share of bad luck.Cyclingsbestfan04-09-2026
- I also think that the return to racing is unrealistic for Pogi. But "IF" he was to return, he should only do the last race this season, and that is the fifth Monument- Il Lombardia, in October 10, 2026. IF he would win it, he would be the first cyclist in history to win four consecutive Monuments in the same year, whith being second in Paris-Roubaix. Now I'm not saying that's a smart thing to do, but you never know with these sports "super-humans" like Pogi, Jonas, Remco or Marquez... and todays science in medical technology. Whatever the decision will be, I hope it's for the good of Pogi, because things can also go very wrong if not done properly.PogiSloFans04-09-2026
- Yeah, he's an alien... but aliens also have to get well. They call it "ALIEN REHABILITATION !!!"PogiSloFans04-09-2026
- I just totted up the value in fines for stage 12 4300 swiss = $5300. That high figure for one stage got me totting up the whole value for the entire race. Lets say 3000 swiss on average in fines per stage for 21 stages = 63000 swiss = $77,891 or 90,681 euros. Plus a whole lot of points deducted for other misdemeanors i.e. sticky bottles and the like. The points deduction is the nasty part. The value and damage to both the rider and the team of losing UCI points is incalcuble. So the moral of this is don't litter, obey orders and don't cheat guys!Cyclingsbestfan04-09-2026
- > Tadej is only human Information not true! As far as I know he's an ALIEN.averagecyclist04-09-2026
- LOL he's got 4 months till next January to find form ! Not a problem !frieders304-09-2026
- ANYONE but Remco in the rainbow jersey !frieders304-09-2026
- “Movistar tactical masterclass” - not a phrase you read that often. But actually deserved today. Kudos to Enric and the team.mobk03-09-2026
- How about a little focus on Jakob Omrzel's brilliant stage win?
Rafionain-Glas03-09-2026
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