Ben O'Connor wants to win Vuelta a Espana and recognizes biggest rivals: "I have to think of Roglic and Carapaz as the strongest"

Ben O'Connor is very clear that this is his big chance to win a Grand Tour. He is the leader of the Vuelta a España with a big gap over the rest in the general classification and he is no longer hiding his ambitions to reach Madrid in red.

In an interview with Marca, he spoke about his rivals for the red jersey Primoz Roglic, Richard Carapaz and Enric Mas: "There are many rivals. But now I have to think of Roglic and Carapaz as the strongest. Enric is showing that he's in a great moment and he's also dangerous. They are the ones who have to attack. Honestly, before I didn't see myself with the possibility of seeing these days in red, but now I have to go for everything. I'm not nervous or thinking about how it's going to go, just enjoying myself and with the idea of taking advantage of the opportunity that has been presented to me".

The Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale leader has victory on his mind: "I'm only thinking about winning. But it's clear that, if in the end things don't go as we hope, what can I do more if I'm not the strongest in the race? In that case I'll be happy with a second or third place."

He is clear that there is a long race ahead, but he is confident in his chances: "We've all had some bad days at this point but, to be honest, I'd say yes. I'm up there and I'm hopeful. I know it's going to be a tough race because there are a lot of days left, but it's also going to be hard for the rest to beat me."

He confesses that he expected what is happening to him to happen, so it is not a surprise for him to see himself in the overall lead of a grand tour and he plans to take advantage of it: "I always thought I could have a chance like this. I say that honestly. I'm looking at it with perspective. I'm almost four minutes ahead and we're not even halfway through the race and there are a lot of stages and stories to live, but I'm optimistic that this position can be defended".