Cycling’s next big star might just be a 19-year-old with dreams of becoming a GC rider—but can he handle the pressure of the WorldTour? Peter Øxenberg’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, as he transitions from following in the footsteps of Danish legend Jonas Vingegaard to carving his own path with the Ineos Grenadiers. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Øxenberg has already made waves by joining the WorldTour squad, he’s now stepping back into the Under-23 ranks for 2025 to gain experience. Is this a strategic move or a missed opportunity? Let’s dive in.
Øxenberg’s story began with a nod to his Danish roots. Riding for ColoQuick—the same continental team as Vingegaard—he replicated his compatriot’s feat by conquering the Coll de Rates in Alicante, a climb made famous by Vingegaard’s KOM record in 2018. But Øxenberg’s ambitions didn’t stop there. By June 2024, he had secured a spot on the Ineos Grenadiers’ WorldTour team, a massive leap for any young rider. However, as Ineos restructured its development pathway by partnering with Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank, Øxenberg made the surprising decision to step down from the WorldTour squad to focus on his Under-23 career. Is this a step backward or a calculated move to build a stronger foundation?
And this is the part most people miss: as Ineos undergoes significant changes—with Geraint Thomas retiring, key staff members departing, and Dave Brailsford returning in a larger role—the team is under pressure to nurture its young talent. Øxenberg’s transition to the Under-23 ranks isn’t just about gaining experience; it’s about ensuring he doesn’t get lost in the shuffle during this turbulent off-season. As he puts it, ‘It’s quite a big step up, but it’s been good. The WorldTour peloton is much faster than the Under 23s, and I’m still getting used to it.’
But Øxenberg isn’t the only young gun to watch. Riders like Óscar Rodríguez, AJ August, and Michael Leonard are also stepping up for Ineos’ incredibly young team, with an average age of just 21. Could this be the start of a new era for the team, or are they risking too much on unproven talent?
As the cycling world watches closely, one thing is clear: Øxenberg’s journey is just beginning. But the question remains—will he rise to become the GC rider he dreams of, or will the pressures of the sport prove too great? What do you think? Is stepping back to the Under-23 ranks a smart move, or should he have stayed in the WorldTour? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
