Australia’s Ben O’Connor could also be out of the GC combat already on the Tour de France however, in his fifth look at biking’s greatest race, the 30-year-old is at peace with the Grand Tour.
O’Connor has loved combined fortunes in July’s passed by, being undone by crashes and dangerous luck up to now, but in addition thriving to win two particular mountain phases to Tignes and Courchevel and ending fourth general.
Upon reflection, he is even capable of say, ” I really like being right here” and, with loads extra probabilities to chase the breakaway within the 113th version’s second and third weeks, why should not he?
“Initially, I referred to as it love-hate, however I believe I can stroll again on that now. I believe in the long run it is handled me rather well,” O’Connor informed Cyclingnews earlier than stage 9 in Malemort.
“I’ve gained two phases right here. I’ve completed fourth up to now. I’ve additionally crashed fairly a couple of occasions right here – not likely by myself, all the time from some type of Tour state of affairs – however principally it is simply handled me rather well. My greatest outcomes, simply normally for phases, have all the time come from the Tour as properly, from chasing breaks, and I’ve gained a number of occasions.
Chances are you’ll like
“Really, it is a race that is handled me rather well. So, I really like being right here. It is thrilling. It is the largest type of platform and race on the calendar, and I’ve type of began to get pleasure from it an increasing number of because the final couple of years have gone on.”
O’Connor has already been on the transfer all through the 2026 race, most notably on his personal throughout stage 6 to Gavarnie-Gèdre earlier than the Col d’Aspin and Col du Tourmalet, however he, like everybody else on that day, was chased down and spat out the again by a charging UAE Workforce Emirates-XRG as they arrange the stage for Tadej Pogačar .
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“It was a humorous day. It took a very long time to go and there wasn’t a lot time between after I left after which Aspin. But it surely was most likely extra the best way [they] went about it,” he mentioned.
“Usually, guys would simply sit up, after which Pog’s group would say, ‘You recognize what, it would not actually matter. We needn’t trip within the valley. We’ll simply rip it from the primary climb,’ however they determined they need to trip 50k an hour within the valley as properly and that was most likely the distinction.
“Even within the dash days you do not simply sit up and hang around for a short time, [they kind of keep everyone on a short leash. That’s why old mate [Liam Slock] virtually gained on stage 8. So, sure, the game’s undoubtedly a bit extra full-on now. “
What to learn subsequent
O’Connor is not any stranger to profitable Tour breakaway phases, additionally having a choice of different top-five finishes on the race throughout his 5 participations. Even with a Giro d’Italia already in his legs from this season, he is adamant that probabilities will come his manner.
Apparently, away from the strain of GC – with the Australian sitting fiftieth general and greater than an hour down on race chief Tadej Pogačar – O’Connor was capable of give some sincere perception into the problem, or lack thereof, of doing the Giro and Tour in the identical season
“Really, fully high-quality. I do not know. You would most likely communicate to me after stage 20 however it’s possibly a bit overhyped that the Giro-Tour state of affairs is an excessive amount of,” mentioned O’Connor.
“I actually assume it is not a difficulty and, if something, that month between the Giro and the Tour might be among the finest months you possibly can have, simply driving round. You’ve got already performed lots of work. You’ve got already performed lots of altitude camps. There is a ton of load there from the Giro. So, when you take care of your self, I do not see why there’s any cause why it is no more widespread.”
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