Australian cycling has a new star, with WA’s Ben O’Connor riding his way to a stunning Tour de France stage victory and into contention for a top three yellow jersey finish.
The 25-year-old made his move on the first mountaintop finish of the 2021 race, Stage 9 from Cluses to Tignes, riding away from his fellow breakaway members in cold and wet conditions in the last 20 kilometres up the Montee de Tignes.
O’Connor, riding for AG2R Citroen, now sits second in the general classification for the world’s most famous bike race, behind 2020 winner and race favourite Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar.
The Aussie started the day eight minutes and 13 seconds behind Pogacar, 14th overall.
He finished five minutes and seven seconds ahead of his closest rival Mattia Cattaneo, and six minutes and two seconds ahead of Pogacar. At times during the stage, O’Connor was the virtual yellow jersey wearer.
“He’s been a star in the making. Now he’s a star who’s shining,” Aussie cycling great Robbie McEwen said on SBS.
However Pogacar had the advantage of being in a chasing pack, including several teammates, who helped power him to the end of the stage before the Slovenian ace made a push in the final kilometres. In contrast, O’Connor was alone for the last 30 minutes at least.
He becomes the 14th Australian to win an individual stage of the Tour de France, having also won a stage of the Giro d’Italia last year.
“Just to be here in the first place is the first dream, and to achieve this today, it’s a testament to everyone who’s put faith in me over the years,” O’Connor said after the stage.
O’Connor now sits second overall, two minutes and a second behind Pogacar, with Rigoberto Uran in third, five minutes and 18 seconds behind Pogacar.
Pogacar is still the overwhelming favourite to win the race, especially given his strong time trial ability, but O’Connor is a strong contender to finish on the podium in Paris, which only two Australians have ever done.
His compatriot Richie Porte finished third in last year’s Tour de France while Cadel Evans won the 2011 event and finished second in 2007 and 2008.
Seven Australians have worn the yellow jersey: Phil Anderson, Bradley McGee, Stuart O’Grady, Robbie McEwen, Simon Gerrans, Rohan Dennis and Evans.