A young cycling sensation is making waves and setting his sights high. Peter Øxenberg, a 19-year-old Danish rider, is taking the cycling world by storm, following in the footsteps of his idol, Jonas Vingegaard. But here's where it gets interesting: Øxenberg is not just content with emulating his hero; he's taking his career to the next level with the prestigious Ineos Grenadiers.
The young rider's journey began with the Danish continental team ColoQuick, just like Vingegaard. And just like his idol, Øxenberg conquered the famed Coll de Rates in Alicante, setting a record that caught the eye of the cycling elite. However, his story takes an unexpected turn when he joins the Ineos Grenadiers' WorldTour squad, marking the beginning of his professional career.
But it's not just about records and teams. The Col de Rates record has a twist: Vingegaard set it in 2018, only to be beaten by Tadej Pogačar during a training camp. Yet, by the time Pogačar broke the record, Øxenberg had already secured his spot with Ineos. Talk about timing!
Fast forward to 2024, and Ineos was making big moves. They partnered with Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank to create a development pathway for their U23 riders, and Øxenberg, eager to gain experience, stepped down from the WT squad to join the under-23 team. It was a strategic move to ensure his growth as a rider.
As Ineos undergoes major changes, with legends like Geraint Thomas retiring and key staff members moving on, it's crucial to keep an eye on young talents like Øxenberg. With Dave Brailsford returning in a bigger role, the team's future looks bright, but they mustn't forget the importance of nurturing young riders.
"It's a big step up, but I'm loving it," Øxenberg shared. "The WorldTour peloton is faster, and I'm still getting used to it, but it's an exciting challenge."
And this is the part most people miss: Øxenberg is not alone in this young Ineos team. Riders like Óscar Rodríguez, AJ August, and Michael Leonard could also make their mark. With an average age of just 21 among the remaining five riders, this team is a force to be reckoned with.
Written by James Moultrie, a gold-standard NCTJ journalist, this story showcases the rise of a young cycling star. With experience covering races like Paris-Roubaix and interviewing cycling greats, Moultrie brings an insider's perspective to the world of cycling. So, what do you think? Is Øxenberg the next big thing in cycling? Will this young Ineos team dominate the sport? Let's discuss in the comments!
