'I overcooked it there' – Oscar Onley pays the price after going into the red chasing Tadej Pogačar in the Vuelta a España
The Brit dropped two places on GC after a mountainous stage six
Tadej Pogačar’s ability to ride away from the competition alone has led to many finishers experiencing difficulties keeping up. Yesterday on the Vuelta a España, British rider Oscar Onley, representing Netcompany-Ineos, was a prime example of the challenges faced in chasing the leader. Despite clinging on to the white jersey for just three seconds, Onley ended up finishing at the back of the second chase group, more than 1 minute and 38 seconds behind stage winner Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
The 23-year-old British cyclist acknowledged that the final gravelled climb of the stage, Puerto El Bartolo, was more challenging than anticipated, admitting he overcooked it towards the top. He then joined a four-strong chase group, consisting of Sepp Kuss from Visma-Lease a Bike, and Mattias Skjelmose from Lidl-Trek, to complete the final 10 kilometres with headwinds.
Onley was relieved to see the group and tried to match their pace, but eventually succumbed to cramps, losing two positions in the general classification to seventh overall.
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