Ben O'Connor - "I feel capable of aiming for the top this summer"

Jai Hindley’s victory in the Giro d'Italia has been receiving positive responses from all over the world, and Australian rider Ben O’Connor is no exception here.

Seeing fellow Australian Jai Hindley win the Giro d'Italia has given Ben O'Connor renewed confidence that he can win the Tour de France, the AG2R leader said Thursday.

Speaking at his team camp ahead of the eight-day Criterium du Dauphine that starts Sunday, O'Connor expressed high ambitions.

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Climb specialist O'Connor finished fourth in the 2021 Tour de France after a stunning climb to the Alpine ski resort of Tignes. "I used to hope to become a general classification rider. Now I am a general classification rider," said the AG2R team leader. "My Tour adventure last year was extraordinary. To win a stage and finish fourth overall in Paris is something huge. And I did it," he said.

"I feel capable of aiming for the top this summer," he said the Tour de France which embarks from Copenhagen, Denmark on June 30. Cadel Evans is the only Australian to win the Tour de France, and O’Connor feels confident in becoming the winner of this year’s Tour. O'Connor said watching his compatriot affected him deeply.

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"It was encouraging to see my friend Jai Hindley win the Giro," said O'Connor, who warms up for the Tour at the Criterium du Dauphine next week. He is also from Perth, and we have known each other for a long time. When I saw him win, I told myself I could do it too," O'Connor added. "I'm still developing physically, and my level is rising naturally." I am 26 years old and the years of hard work are starting to pay off. "