Ben O’Connor has revitalized his racing spirit at the 2025 Vuelta a España after a challenging experience at the Tour de France. Despite a significant achievement in winning one of the toughest stages of the Tour, injuries and crashes hampered his overall performance, preventing him from racing as he desired. Now, as the leader of Jayco-AlUla, O’Connor feels more optimistic and engaged in the competition.
O’Connor currently sits in 17th place overall, trailing leader Torstein Træen of Bahrain Victorious by 3 minutes and 53 seconds. More importantly, he is just 1 minute and 20 seconds behind top favorite Jonas Vingegaard from Visma-Lease a Bike. Reflecting on the early stages of the Vuelta, he noted that the racing has been straightforward, without the dramatic assaults seen in previous competitions.
Looking Ahead to Challenging Stages
O’Connor highlighted the upcoming stages as potential turning points in the race. He expressed optimism about stage 11 in Bilbao, which he described as “tricky” and conducive to more intense competition. “It’s a curious stage, and it’s not ideal for me, but it’s a stage where you get some really hard racing,” he explained. With over 3,000 meters of vertical climbing and seven classified ascents, this stage is expected to bring significant challenges for all riders.
He acknowledged the importance of the Bilbao stage in allowing him to distance himself from the disappointments of July. “It sucked actually, that whole Tour de France. It was a constant fight day in and day out,” he reflected. In contrast, the Vuelta has provided him with a more manageable racing environment.
O’Connor has also expressed satisfaction with his transition from the French team Decathlon to his home WorldTour squad, Jayco-AlUla. He noted that adapting to the familiar team culture has made the transition smoother than expected. “It hasn’t been too much of a struggle because you fall into your natural self,” he commented.
Strategic Insights on Competitors
During the Vuelta, O’Connor has observed different racing strategies employed by various teams. Notably, UAE Team Emirates-XRG has opted to focus on stage wins rather than a singular leader strategy. This approach has drawn both praise and surprise, particularly in light of the contrasting performances of riders like Juan Ayuso, who fluctuated between pursuing stage victories and managing general classification (GC) ambitions.
“I think it’s smart,” O’Connor remarked regarding Ayuso’s strategy. “You’re still a quality bike rider, and you’re going to be able to get a good day out; it just doesn’t mean you need to do GC day in day out.” He emphasized that the relatively easy racing in the early stages has not necessitated an all-for-one approach among teams.
As the Vuelta progresses, O’Connor anticipates tougher stages that will test riders more rigorously, especially toward the end of the second week. He is confident that there will be ample opportunities for competitors to showcase their abilities and fight for victory.
In conclusion, Ben O’Connor’s experiences at the Vuelta a España highlight a significant shift from his earlier struggles at the Tour de France. With optimism for the challenging stages ahead, he aims to reclaim his competitive edge in this prestigious race.
