Ben O’Connor of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale had set his sights on securing a spot on the final podium, but ultimately finished in fifth place, trailing by 2:24 behind the rider from Visma-Lease a Bike. This outcome further underscores his consistent performance throughout 2024 as he progresses towards the Giro d’Italia.
Hailing from Western Australia, O’Connor is currently in a contract year and is resolute in shaping his own future, whether it be with Decathlon AG2R or exploring opportunities elsewhere. Drawing from the lessons of setbacks in 2023, he remains determined to chart a successful course ahead.
Despite finishing just 32 seconds behind the third-placed Australian rider, O’Connor remained a key contender among the group of climbers vying for positions behind Vingegaard.
Reflecting on his performance, O’Connor acknowledged the remarkable feat of Jonas in the previous stage, expressing his efforts to keep pace before conceding, “I did the best I could, I tried to follow for a while but it was a useless attempt.” While his aspirations were set on securing a podium finish, the outcome did not align with his goals this time around.
Having skipped the [ppp1], O’Connor has already accumulated 24 days of racing, strategically front-loading his season to ensure peak readiness for the upcoming challenges.
His recent victories in the Vuelta Ciclista a la Region de Murcia and a stage win at [ppp2], where he narrowly missed the overall triumph, have set a positive tone for his campaign. The Tirreno-Adriatico served as a crucial milestone before his upcoming break and final preparations for the Corsa Rosa, marking his return to the Giro d’Italia since his breakthrough win in 2020.
With a strategic approach focused on early-season form for the Giro, O’Connor emphasized the importance of consistent performance across all races he participates in. He underscored the need to strike a balance between peaking for major events and seizing opportunities throughout the season, highlighting the inherent risks of a slow build-up.
As O’Connor’s contract with Decathlon AG2R approaches its conclusion, his journey with the team has been a mix of triumphs and challenges. Amidst setbacks like the glute muscle injury that marred his 2022 Tour de France, O’Connor finds himself at a crossroads, with teammate Felix Gall emerging as a consistent performer within the squad.
Looking ahead to potential opportunities in 2025, O’Connor remains poised to explore new horizons in his career, emphasizing the need to make decisions that align with his aspirations and ambitions.
Refusing to be defined solely by his Tour de France performances, O’Connor seeks to contextualize his 2023 season within a broader perspective, acknowledging both successes and areas for improvement. Learning from past experiences, he emphasizes the importance of striking a balance in training, recovery, and overall health management to sustain peak performance throughout the season.
In navigating the complexities of professional cycling, O’Connor recognizes the intricate interplay of various elements that contribute to success, likening it to a complex jigsaw puzzle where each piece must align harmoniously for optimal outcomes.