After four years at the French team AG2R, it's time for change for Ben O'Connor. The 28-year-old climber with fourth places overall from Giro d'Italia 2024 and Tour de France 2021 will join Jayco AlUla on a two-year deal.
"To be honest, it’s really an idea I’ve always loved; to race as an Aussie and win on an Aussie team. I’m at a point now where I need to deliver, so it’ll be even more special to do it with an Australian set-up. To have the opportunity to race with mates at the top level is rare, and I am just so keen to get stuck in," he expressed in press communication.
"My ambitions are to stay aggressive, consistent, and hopefully one day change these fourth-place overall finishes at Grand Tours into overall podium placings. Victories are just as important, and throwing the hands up in the air as soon as I can is high on the list. It’s not 'team Australia' but it feels like that to represent the only WorldTour Australian cycling team. Excited is an understatement."
Team manager Brent Copeland makes no secret that for Jayco, O'Connor is a key signing filling the gap after the departure of long-time leader Simon Yates: "With Ben O’Connor we are obviously looking at someone who will fill in that general classification gap with Simon Yates moving on. We feel that O’Connor will fit into the team well, culture wise, which is really important for us. Of course, it is thanks to our team owner Gerry Ryan for his commitment and continued support of Australian Cycling and ensuring Australian riders have a place to grow and excel at the highest level in cycling."
"With the general classification, we believe he has room for improvement and with this team we will be able to get the best out of him. It is a very significant and important signing for us for 2025 and we look forward to being able to welcome Ben into the squad soon."
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