Ben O’Connor of Jayco AlUla is determined to make an impact in the Tour de France 2025 despite his aspirations for a general classification (GC) title taking a hit during the early stages. As the race transitions to the Alps on stage 18, O’Connor is set on seizing one of the last opportunities to secure a stage win, a goal shared by many riders who are also vying for glory as the competition nears its conclusion.
O’Connor, who last celebrated a Tour stage victory in 2021 while racing towards Tignes, remains optimistic about his chances this week. “I think probably the best is Friday, the stage to La Plagne,” he remarked, expressing enthusiasm for the challenging climbs that lie ahead. O’Connor believes that the mountainous terrain allows for a more straightforward approach to securing a breakaway win, relying on sheer physical strength rather than tactical maneuvering.
Throughout the race, O’Connor has demonstrated his ability to participate in numerous breakaways, except for stage 16 where he underestimated the dynamics and focused on the GC race instead. His success in hunting for a stage win relies heavily on assembling the right group of committed riders. Reflecting on past experiences, he noted the challenge of racing against teams more focused on the overall standings, which can hinder the prospects of breakaway contenders.
The presence of top-tier riders like Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard has added another layer of complexity to the competition. O’Connor holds no resentment towards these elite cyclists, viewing the competition as a natural aspect of the sport. Drawing a parallel to tennis legends Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, he reinforced that such rivalries are a part of the challenge.
While O’Connor recognizes that not every competitor can claim a win, he maintains a positive outlook. With four stages left, he embraces the Tour as a prestigious event, stating, “It’s the biggest race in the world… you don’t need to be ashamed of just being here in this race.”
As the battle for stage victories intensifies in the coming days, O’Connor’s determination reflects the spirit of the Tour de France, where each rider seeks to leave their mark, whether in the quest for the yellow jersey or through memorable stage wins.
This year’s Tour serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that cycling brings, as fans eagerly await to see who will rise to the occasion in the Alpine stages.