One step closer to INEOS? Oscar Onley reported missing from Team Picnic PostNL training camp

Oscar Onley’s future is again under the spotlight after respected journalist Daniel Benson reported that the Scottish climber did not attend the start of Team Picnic PostNL’s pre-season training camp in Calpe.

Benson, writing on his SubStack from the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe presentation in Mallorca, revealed that Onley was unexpectedly absent despite all riders being scheduled to report today.

“I’ve just received breaking news from Calpe: Oscar Onley has not attended the start of the Team Picnic PostNL camp. All riders were expected to arrive today… but sources on the ground have told us that Oscar is not only not there but has also been allowed to stay at home for the next two days.”

The detail that he has been allowed to remain at home will only intensify speculation surrounding a possible move to INEOS Grenadiers, who have been strongly linked with the 2025 Tour de France breakout star.

Onley’s name has been circulating through the transfer market ever since his breakout fourth-place finish at the 2025 Tour. He later confirmed that around 15 teams had contacted his management in the aftermath, with INEOS widely understood to be one of the most serious suitors.

While Onley remains under contract with Picnic PostNL until the end of 2027, this sudden absence from their first major 2026 gathering will raise questions. Riders typically join the Calpe December camp for equipment testing, performance planning and early-season preparation. Being excused from the opening days is unusual for any rider, let alone one at the centre of a high-profile transfer rumour.

The Grenadiers are widely expected to make further moves as part of their multi-year rebuild, led by new director of racing Geraint Thomas and a refocused strategy aimed at climbing back into Tour de France contention.

Onley has consistently been described by analysts as an ideal fit for that project: young, improving rapidly, and already demonstrating elite GC potential. However, no agreement has been announced, and Team Picnic PostNL have maintained that their rider remains part of their long-term plans.

Nothing has been confirmed by either team, but Benson’s report adds a fresh twist to one of the most persistent storylines of the winter. If the Scottish climber remains absent beyond the two-day window referenced in the report, the noise around a potential move is only likely to grow louder.