Imagine being just 22 years old, already a seasoned WorldTour cyclist, and yet facing setback after setback—physical injuries, mental challenges, and even a fractured collarbone just weeks before a major race. This is the story of Max Poole, a young British talent who’s proving that resilience and potential can shine even in the face of adversity.
With the departure of Oscar Onley to INEOS Grenadiers, Picnic PostNL finds itself at a crossroads. Onley’s move, while a significant loss, opens the door for Poole to step into the spotlight as the team’s new leader. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a 22-year-old, despite his impressive track record, truly fill the void left by Onley? And this is the part most people miss—Poole’s journey hasn’t been a smooth ride. Over the past three years, he’s battled physical and mental setbacks that have slowed his ascent as a General Classification (GC) contender.
Yet, his results speak volumes. A 4th place at the 2023 Tour de Romandie, 7th at the 2024 UAE Tour, 2nd at the 2024 Vuelta a Burgos, and a victory at the 2024 Tour de Langkawi—these are no small feats. Add to that his impressive performances at the Vuelta a España, where he secured four podium finishes in 2024, and it’s clear Poole is a force to be reckoned with. But the elusive stage win? Still slipping through his fingers.
Heading into 2025, expectations were sky-high. However, life had other plans. Family matters and a collarbone break at Strade Bianche derailed his preparation for the Giro d’Italia. ‘It made the timeline so tight,’ Poole admitted. ‘Just making the Giro was touch and go, let alone being in peak shape.’ Despite these challenges, he finished 11th overall—a testament to his grit. ‘I was probably at 85% of my potential,’ he reflected. ‘With better preparation, I could’ve aimed for a top-5 finish.’
But setbacks didn’t stop there. An early season end at the Tour de Pologne due to the Epstein-Barr virus gave Poole time to reflect. ‘There’s a lot more I can achieve with the team’s support,’ he said. With a contract through 2027, Poole now has two years to lead Picnic PostNL, a role he’s ready to embrace. While he’ll miss Onley, his friend and former teammate, Poole sees a silver lining: ‘This could be an opportunity for others on the team to shine.’
Looking ahead, Poole’s 2026 season kicks off at the Volta ao Algarve, followed by Paris-Nice. Rumors suggest a return to the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, while the Tour de France may focus on stage hunters and sprinters. But here’s the question: Can Max Poole finally fulfill his potential and secure that elusive stage win? Or will new challenges arise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—is Poole the future of Picnic PostNL, or is there still room for doubt?
