Four stages and red jersey; relive Australia’s Assault on La Vuelta

As the Vuelta a Espana 2024 progresses, the spotlight shines brightly on the Australians, who have taken the cycling world by storm. After 17 brutal stages, Ben O’Connor is holding onto the leader's red jersey with a mere five-second advantage over Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic. The narrow gap suggests that O’Connor faces an uphill battle in the remaining stages, but his performance thus far has been nothing short of extraordinary.

This year's La Vuelta is turning into a grand showcase of Australian talent, with O’Connor’s leadership complemented by Australian success in other classifications as well.

O’Connor’s time in red

Ben O’Connor's rise to the top of the general classification is a testament to his perseverance, strategic acumen, and raw power. Despite being constantly shadowed by Roglic, a three-time Vuelta champion, O’Connor has managed to maintain his lead. His ability to limit the damage of the attacks from one of the sport’s most formidable riders speaks volumes about his form and mental fortitude.

For O’Connor, this race is a culmination of years of hard work and steady improvement. Since turning professional in 2016, he has shown flashes of brilliance, including stage wins at the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia. However, this is his first time leading a Grand Tour, and he has seized the opportunity with both hands. O’Connor’s mental fortitude has been the subject of some questioning in previous grand tours, but there can be no doubts after the resilience he has shown in Spain.

Regardless of the outcome in the final stages, O’Connor has brought true excitement to Australian road cycling, as he moves to join the Australian based team Jayco–AlUla in 2025.

Groves in green

While O’Connor battles for the overall victory, Kaden Groves has dominated the points classification, securing the green jersey with an impressive lead of over 100 points. Barring any unforeseen incidents, Groves is all but assured of winning the green jersey, a fitting reward for his consistency and speed in the sprints.

Groves has emerged as one of the top sprinters in cycling right now, and his performance at this year's La Vuelta only adds to his growing reputation. He has consistently finished in the top positions in the sprint stages, outclassing some of the world's best sprinters. He will surely be looking to follow in the footsteps of Australian sprinting legend Robbie McEwen, and challenge the world’s other top sprinters at the Tour de France, in the near future.

Jay Vine

Jay Vine’s journey at the Vuelta a Espana is truly remarkable, based on the position he was in less than half a year ago. The Australian suffered a neck injury in the Basque Country in April, leaving many deeply concerned about Vine’s health, let alone his participation in grand tours. However, he has not only recovered in time to compete at La Vuelta, but has also taken the mountains classification by storm. Vine leads the polka dot jersey competition by over 10 points, with his closest rival being his own teammate, Marc Soler.

Vine’s climbing abilities have been on full display throughout the race. He has consistently been among the first to reach the summit of the toughest climbs, showcasing his strength and endurance. Vine has played a key role in ensuring Australia have a stronghold on the main three jerseys at La Vuelta.

A Historic Moment for Australian Cycling

The sight of Australians leading the general, points, and mountains classifications at La Vuelta 2024 is a rare and historic moment. It’s a testament to the depth of talent in Australian cycling and the nation's growing influence on the global stage. But when was the last time Australians enjoyed such widespread success in a Grand Tour?

Before O’Connor’s remarkable ride at La Vuelta, Jai Hindley had already established himself as one of Australia’s top Grand Tour riders. In 2022, Hindley made history by winning the Giro d'Italia, becoming only the second Australian to win a Grand Tour after Cadel Evans. Hindley’s victory at the Giro was a masterclass in climbing and tactical riding, as he outpaced some of the best riders in the world on the final stages.

Hindley’s success at the Giro was a watershed moment for Australian cycling, signalling the arrival of a new generation of talent capable of competing at the highest level. His victory also inspired other Australian riders to believe in their potential and aim for the top in Grand Tours.

No discussion of Australian success in Grand Tours would be complete without mentioning Cadel Evans. Evans is a trailblazer for Australian cycling, and his 2011 Tour de France victory remains one of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history. Evans’ triumph was the culmination of years of hard work and near-misses, including second-place finishes at the Tour de France in 2007 and 2008.

Evans’ victory was a defining moment not just for him but for Australian sport as a whole. It was the first time an Australian had won the Tour de France, and it inspired a generation of riders to pursue their Grand Tour dreams. Evans was known for his versatility, being equally adept at time trials and mountain stages, which made him a formidable contender in all three Grand Tours.

Robbie McEwen was Australia’s premier sprinter during the late 1990s and 2000s, known for his blistering speed and tactical nous. McEwen won the green jersey at the Tour de France three times (2002, 2004, 2006) and secured numerous stage victories across all three Grand Tours. His ability to position himself perfectly in the peloton and unleash a devastating sprint in the final meters made him one of the most feared sprinters of his era.

McEwen’s success in the points classification at the Tour de France paved the way for future Australian sprinters like Kaden Groves. His achievements demonstrated that Australian riders could excel not just in the overall classifications but also in the specialized sprint categories.

The Future of Australian Cycling

As we witness the Australian assault on La Vuelta 2024, it’s clear that the future of Australian cycling is brighter than ever. The performances of Ben O’Connor, Kaden Groves, and Jay Vine are the latest chapters in a proud history of Australian success in Grand Tours. These riders are not only competing at the highest level but are also challenging for victories across multiple classifications, showcasing the depth and versatility of Australian cycling talent.

With a new generation of riders following in the footsteps of legends like Cadel Evans and Robbie McEwen, Australia’s presence in the world of cycling is set to grow even stronger. Whether O’Connor can hold onto the red jersey in the final stages of La Vuelta remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Australian cycling is on the rise, and the world is taking notice.