OLIVER MACNEILL: At 15, Already Flying Uphill — A FUTURE PRO 🇬🇧
At just 15 years old, Oliver Macneill is already carving out a name for himself — not just as SISU Racing’s youngest member, but as one of its most exciting young climbers.
Repping SISU from York, UK, Oliver’s alarm goes off at 5:00am most days.
Not for school.
For training.
Early Bird.
While most teenagers are hitting snooze, Oliver is on his Wattbike, Zwift fired up, fan humming, and Macklemore’s “Can’t Hold Us” blasting through the speaker.
Coffee?
From D GRADE to AN A GRADE Winner
Oliver’s cycling journey began in lockdown, like so many young riders. He had always followed the sport, but Zwift became the gateway.
When he started, his FTP sat between 2–2.5 w/kg. He struggled in D races.
His first Alpe du Zwift?
1 hour 25 minutes.
Fast forward three to four years:
FTP of 5.1 w/kg
Regular A Grade race wins
Alpe du Zwift in under 50 minutes
Recognised as a pure climber with elite w/kg for his age
He describes himself simply:
“A climber with high w/kg numbers for my age and one that flies uphill.”
The transformation hasn’t been accidental. It’s been consistent.
The Mindset of a Pro — Already
When motivation dips, Oliver doesn’t scroll.
He remembers the dream.
Turning professional one day.
That long-term goal fuels the short-term grind.
His advice for setbacks?
“It’s not about doing lots at once, but about consistency and just take it one day at a time.”
At 15, that’s wisdom many adults are still learning.
Proud of Coming Last
Ask Oliver about his proudest cycling moment and he doesn’t mention wins.
He talks about his first ever race as a 13-year-old — where he came dead last.
That race wasn’t about results.
It was about courage.
Showing up.
That moment built the rider he is today.
Structure Over Chaos
One mistake he made early?
Training randomly with no structure.
Now, his philosophy is clear:
“Do it whether or not you feel like it. Suffer now to prosper later.”
It’s a mindset that reflects the very spirit of SISU.
Leadership Beyond His Years
Despite being too young to race ZRL (minimum age 18), Oliver has already shown leadership by helping captain SISU’s Kana ZRL team.
He enjoys seeing teammates succeed.
“It’s nice seeing everyone’s hard work come together for success.”
He also stepped into the role of Tour Director, creating the SISU Neo Tour — motivating riders to push themselves and show their strength.
For someone who can’t yet race certain events, he’s already building them.
SISU Academy & The Next Generation
With SISU Racing launching the SISU Academy, Oliver is one of its inaugural young riders.
His biggest request?
Patience.
“Be patient with young cyclists and give them time.”
It’s a powerful reminder that talent grows when nurtured, not rushed.
2026: The Big Stage Awaits
Oliver’s outdoor calendar is stepping up significantly:
National level UK races
The Youth Tour of Scotland — one of the biggest junior races in the UK
A week in the Netherlands racing the legendary Tour of Assen, one of the biggest junior cycling races in the world and a proven pathway to the pro ranks
These aren’t local club rides.
These are serious stepping stones.
And he’s 15.
SISU Is Family
Oliver won’t be racing this year’s SISU Club Championships — he’ll be tapering for road season — but he’s clear about his favourite discipline:
Climbing.
Of course.
When asked to finish the sentence:
“SISU Racing is…”
He answers:
“One big family.”
From struggling in D category to winning A races.
From coming last to coaching teams.
From 1:25 Alpe du Zwift to sub-50.
Oliver Macneill isn’t just SISU Racing’s youngest member.
He’s proof that with consistency, courage, and a 5am alarm clock — the future climbs fast.