Australian professional cyclist Ben O'Connor has set his sights on achieving the best possible result at the upcoming Tour Down Under, viewing the event as a critical foundation for his ambitious 2026 season, which will feature two Grand Tours.
Building on a Podium Pedigree
The 30-year-old Jayco AlUla rider, now firmly established among the world's elite, is using the Adelaide race to fine-tune his condition. O'Connor's career highlights include a memorable second-place finish behind Tadej Pogačar at the 2024 World Championships, a moment he describes as a huge personal achievement. While acknowledging the dominance of riders like Pogačar, O'Connor has carved out an impressive record of his own, winning stages in all three Grand Tours and securing a fourth-place overall finish at the 2024 Giro d'Italia.
His most significant GC result to date came later that same year, where he spent 13 days in the leader's red jersey at the Vuelta a España before ultimately finishing as runner-up to Primož Roglič. This proven ability to compete for the highest honours has shaped his clear strategy for the coming years.
Overcoming Setbacks and Setting Realistic Goals
The Perth-born climber's first season with the Australian WorldTour team, Jayco AlUla, was a rollercoaster. An early illness and a crash on the opening stage of the 2025 Tour de France, which left him nursing a knee injury, disrupted his plans. However, he demonstrated resilience by battling to a spectacular victory on the brutal Stage 18, ending the Tour in 11th place overall.
"It's such an annoying sport. There are things that are completely out of your control, and that's probably the one thing that can kill you mentally," O'Connor admits, reflecting on the frustrations of the previous season. "But it's a constant motivator too, to always rock up to races ready to go."
His approach is grounded in realism. He openly states that trying to emulate Pogačar is "just impossible," focusing instead on maximising his own capabilities within the race dynamics set by the Slovenian and his UAE Team Emirates squad.
A Dual Strategy for Grand Tour Success
With his foundation to be laid at the Tour Down Under—a race he admits doesn't perfectly suit his climbing strengths—O'Connor has a definitive plan for his two Grand Tour appearances in 2026. One will be an all-in bid for the General Classification, while the other will focus on hunting for stage victories.
"I've shown that I'm a GC rider through and through," O'Connor asserts. "I loved finishing second in the Vuelta and having the red jersey for two weeks... I reckon I can do another top five for sure." The experience of leading a major tour has become a powerful driver for the Australian, who believes he is finally in a position, with form, fitness, and a strong team, to fully discover his potential on the sport's biggest stages.
As the new season begins, Ben O'Connor is no longer an underdog. He is a proven contender, using the home roads of the Tour Down Under to launch a carefully crafted campaign aimed at the pinnacle of professional cycling.
