Experience, GC goals and stage hunting - Ben O'Connor leads Jayco AlUla at 2025 La Vuelta

Team Jayco AlUla have revealed their lineup for the upcoming Vuelta a España and it includes a lineup completely focused on the mountainous and hilly days. No sprinter ambitions for the Australian team as they come in led by Ben O'Connor, Eddie Dunbar and Chris Harper.

“We’ve got a strong team for the Vuelta a España with Harper, O’Connor, and Dunbar for the climbs," DS Steve Cummings explained in a press release issued by the team. "Of course, nine of the stages finish uphill so hopefully they can be up there in those finishes, and we will aim to keep O’Connor in contention for the GC, too". The Australian was second last year having carried the red jersey for most of the race, and comes back with the intention of replicating such achievements - although this year it must be said it might be a much harder task with Jonas Vingegaard at the start line.

However the lineup can be seen as a full-on stage-hunting one, as O'Connor's ambitions shouldn't restrict anyone in the team to go for their opportunities. Last year Eddie Dunbar was the winner of two stages in the year's final Grand Tour and this spring Chris Harper rode to a magnificent solo victory at the Giro d'Italia, crowning the Colle delle Finèstre by himself in front on the final mountain day. All three can realistically aim for the GC, but with so many difficult days, the trio can bring home a stage if they focus on the particular goal.

"But the rest of the team can achieve similar, only in different types of days. "Foldager has a fast finish, and he can also follow in bunch sprints so there are some good chances for him, too. Bouwman will also be there to help in the mountains, while O’Brien, Juul Jensen, and Gamper, are hybrid riders. They can try to help O’Connor, Harper, and Dunbar when they can in the mountains and be present in breakaways and then help position Foldager for those other stages. I think the team time trial squad is very strong as well and we’ll be looking forward to a strong result on that stage.”

Koen Bouwman, Anders Foldager, Patrick Gamper, Christopher Juul-Jensen and Kelland O'Brien complete the lineup, mixing stage hunting and domestique duties. Ben O'Connor in the meantime has been given the spotlight and explained his ambitions ahead of his fourth Vuelta:

“After the Tour is always a time to let it all soak in and enjoy the celebration for winning a stage and finding success at the biggest race in the world. After, you get back stuck into the hard work to prepare for the Vuelta a España. Last year, I had an amazing time leading the race for two weeks, wearing the red jersey, and it was a pretty special moment being on the podium," he admits. Could he do it again this time around?

"I’m coming back this year aiming for another great result and another great time. The route in general is a bit of a mixture with some easier stages, along with climbs that suit me quite well. There are some iconic stages like the Angliru, which I’ve never actually done before. It’s one of the hardest climbs in the world, so I can tick that one off the list. Hopefully we’ll get to Madrid, and I can also be up there on GC myself.”

Ben O'Connor
Eddie Dunbar
Chris Harper
Koen Bouwman
Anders Foldager
Patrick Gamper
Christopher Juul-Jensen
Kelland O'Brien