Ben O'Connor: "I’m not only performing better, I’m also on a mental path and have a leadership role"

Ben O'Connor rode a breakthrough Tour de France last year, having finished fourth in the overall classification and seeking another strong result this year.

“I’m a year older and more confident because I’ve prepared for the Tour as a clear objective. Last year was a breakthrough, but now it’s clear which direction as a rider I’m aiming for," the Australian said ahead of the race. This year AG2R Citroën Team prepared the lineup thinking of O'Connor, and plan on supporting him thoroughly throughout the three weeks.

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“I’m not only performing better, I’m also on a mental path and have a leadership role. That’s perhaps not something for everyone as people but I’m enjoying it," he explained. “If I didn’t enjoy it, I’d adjust and just target stages in the mountains..."

After having finished third at the Critérium du Dauphiné, ahead of several of the riders he will be directly battling with over the next few weeks, he's shown the confidence and right timing into the race. “The Dauphiné was great. What did I get out of it? Confidence. I more or less found out that I’m not far away from the best in the world. Primož and Jonas Vingegaard are two big favourites for the Tour and the fact that I was able to dangle behind them and be amongst the best of the rest means you're up there fighting."

He will however have to survive a likely chaotic opening week where crashes, mechanicals and splits are likely to occur to much of the peloton. “I just hope to stay safe for three weeks, and then after all the fatigue of the Tour I hope I can be next to them or better," he said.

However with the support of the likes of Oliver Naesen and Stan Dewulf, he should be well guided when racing gets aggressive. "I can only race my best and the objective is the best GC result possible," he concluded.