"I am certainly one of the best riders" - Ben O'Connor dreaming of Giro d'Italia podium as he sits 4th at first rest day

Reaching the first rest day at the 2024 Giro d'Italia 4th overall, 3:39 down on the Maglia Rosa but just 41 seconds off the podium, Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team leader, Ben O'Connor is dreaming of a spot on the podium come Rome.

“It was a good week, tougher than expected. But I'm happy with how it turned out," reflected O'Connor in his rest day press conference. A much more positive outlook than earlier in the race, when after stage 2, the Australian described himself as 'the dumbest guy in the race' when he blew up trying to follow a Tadej Pogacar attack. "There were a few less than perfect moments, but I am currently fourth and my teammates are ready for the second week. All in all, I am satisfied with the first week.”

Although Pogacar has a firm grip on the Maglia Rosa, the rest of the GC contenders are quite tightly packed behind. As such, there is still much for the likes of O'Connor to ride for in the coming weeks. "I am certainly one of the best riders and I still feel good," he assesses. "The aim is to take back some time one day at a time from the other podium contenders, especially from Geraint Thomas and Daniel Martínez. I'm dreaming of a podium place in Rome. The goal is to perform well and steadily, to be there every day.”

“I now know where my limits are in training. I also pay much better attention to my health now. I have found a nice balance. I push my limits, but I don't go over them. I have been working with the same coach for four years now. We get along very well. We now know the ideal preparation," O'Connor concludes. “If Pogacar has a bad day, he has a bad day. I'm still here to race and do my thing, although I do of course have my own ambitions. I will go all out on good days and limit the damage on bad days.”