'We have to race aggressively' - Onley ready to challenge Pogacar and Evenepoel at Rwanda Worlds

Oscar Onley (Picnic PostNL) has his sights firmly set on the upcoming World Championships in Rwanda after testing his form at the Lloyds Tour of Britain, where he sat fourth overall ahead of Sunday’s final stage.

"That is the main focus for the rest of the season, really. I've got the Canadian races [GP Montreal and GP Québec] next week as well, but I think it gives me some confidence, and I think the course suits me quite well over there [Rwanda]," Onley told reporters, including Domestique at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome before the final stage.

Onley sprinted to third place on Saturday's queen stage atop the Tumble climb, finishing behind Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep) and Tom Gloag (Visma | Lease a Bike) after an aggressive showing on the final ascent.

"I think it was good confirmation for myself that the form is quite good after the last few weeks, it was the first time really going that hard," said Onley. "I'm quite happy with it. I wanted a better result, but I rode a bit more aggressively, and that probably cost me a little bit in the sprint."

Onley is set to spearhead a strong British team at the World Championships alongside Tom Pidcock, with both riders suited to the demanding Rwanda course. Joe Blackmore will also feature in a squad that will have genuine podium ambitions.

"I think for myself and Tom [Pidcock] we have some really nice cards to play and also Joe Blackmore as well, so yeah, it's quite exciting for us and hopefully we're all at a good level to really compete," Onley explained.

The young Briton believes an aggressive strategy will be key to a successful race in Kigali, with Tadej Pogačar the overwhelming favourite, with Remco Evenepoel the next likely candidate for victory. "We all have to race aggressively if we want to try and get ahead of [Tadej] Pogačar and Remco [Evenepoel]. We just need to try and be on the front foot and never having to chase anything back. I think that's where our strengths lie."

Onley's status in the sport has risen considerably following his remarkable fourth-place finish at the Tour de France in July, where he showed he can compete with the best, with impressive performances including following attacks of Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard into the third week. The 22-year-old accepts and embraces the added expectations that a performance of that magnitude has placed onto his shoulders.

"It's always good for the confidence, and I think now I feel like I belong up there a little bit more," he said. "Now there's a bit more expectation on me going into these races, which is also nice, and I've got to make the most of that and take it in and ride like one of these top guys now."

Adapting to altitude and conditions in Kigali shouldn't pose problems for Onley, who is excited for the prospect of racing in Africa and noted, "I live in Andorra, actually at the same altitude as Kigali, so that should help a bit. I'm really excited to go there, I've never been to Africa before, and from the pictures I've seen from the Tour of Rwanda, it looks a really cool atmosphere."

With Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) competing in his final professional race at the Tour of Britain, Onley was quick to acknowledge the influence of the Welshman and other British cycling greats.

"He's a really big factor in all the young riders coming up in the UK just now. I think himself [Geraint Thomas], [Mark] Cavendish, [Bradley] Wiggins, [Chris] Froome, these guys, were the guys we were watching on TV," said Onley. "If I could have half the career he has, I'll be happy."