The switch window has simply opened and Jayco-AlUla have been fast to verify their new signing, with Ben O’Connor on board to spearhead the final classification cost for the Australian staff with a Grand Tour podium goal looming massive.
O’Connor, who has completed fourth general at each the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, is making the shift from Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale after 4 seasons with the French staff. He has dedicated to 2 years with the Australian squad, which will probably be shedding its main general contender, Simon Yates, in 2025.
“To be sincere, it’s actually an concept I’ve at all times cherished; to race as an Aussie and win on an Aussie staff,” mentioned O’Connor in a media launch from his 2025 and 2026 staff. “I’m at a degree now the place I must ship, so it’ll be much more particular to do it with an Australian set-up. To have the chance to race with mates on the high stage is uncommon, and I’m simply so eager to get caught in.”
“With Ben O’Connor we’re clearly taking a look at somebody who will fill in that normal classification hole with Simon Yates transferring on,” mentioned Jayco-AlUla normal supervisor Brent Copeland. “We really feel that O’Connor will match into the staff properly, tradition smart, which is admittedly essential for us.”
Jayco-AlUla additionally has different general hopes that it’s working to develop for the long run, with Luke Plapp among the many staff’s key signings of final yr and Chris Harper displaying indicators of a GC step up within the shorter excursions and Eddie Dunbar displaying promising indicators along with his seventh on the Giro d’Italia final yr, however the rider from Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale seems able to step as much as the plate immediately.
“With the final classification, we imagine he has room for enchancment and with this staff we will get one of the best out of him. It is a really vital and essential signing for us for 2025,” mentioned Copeland.