For some, after 13 days in the Red Jersey, finishing second would be something of a disappointment. For Ben O'Connor however, 2nd place is a career-affirming result that means a great deal to the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team leader.
After finishing 4th at the Giro d'Italia earlier this year, and 4th at the Tour de France in the past, a Grand Tour podium finish had always eluded the Australian. Finally though, at the 2024 Vuelta a Espana, O'Connor has cracked the top 3 at one of the sport's biggest races, finishing 2nd in the general classification to Primoz Roglic.
"This is what I always dreamed of. Fourth twice and so close. To now make it to the podium is really amazing," a beaming O'Connor reflected his post-stage 21 interview, having held off the challenges of Enric Mas and Richard Carapaz to secure his second placed finish overall. "It was maybe in a crazy way, But that I can now finish it off in the time trial, I'm very happy."
"I was nervous this morning, but I have to thank my coach for calming me down. It's a weight off my shoulders, we never expected this," the Aussie, who will be leaving Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale for Team Jayco AlUla at the end of this season, continues. "It feels like a victory, because it was already surprising that I was in the red until day nineteen. It's special that I'm here, especially after the Giro."
"I have ridden good time trials, this year in the Giro. It is nice that I was able to do it here as I had hoped. I have learned that I have to trust the process, but sometimes also listen to my gut feeling. In a Grand Tour it is about choosing your moments, I take that with me from this tour. I expected to be good in this Vuelta, but a second place? No," he concludes honestly.
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