Vuelta a Espana: Ben O'Connor says it is 'a lot more enjoyable' racing without Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/05/02/image-dfe2a7b1-16b3-40a7-aa20-5e002e65941a-68-310-310.jpeg)
Updated 02/09/2024 at 22:53 GMT+1
React to this story
Ben O'Connor and Primoz Roglic are locked in a tense tussle for the red jersey going into the final week of the Vuelta a Espana, with the Australian currently leading the GC standings by just over one minute. O'Connor told Eurosport that he has found it "a lot more enjoyable" to race without competition from superstars Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar in Spain, with both opting out.
‘A big battle’ - O’Connor ready for final week of Vuelta and fight for red with Roglic
Video credit: TNT Sports
Vuelta a Espana leader Ben O’Connor has admitted it is “a lot more enjoyable” racing a Grand Tour without competition from Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar.
The Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale rider holds a 1’03” lead over Primoz Roglic (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) at the top of the general classification going into the final week.
Roglic is a three-time winner at the Vuelta, while O’Connor is bidding for his first Grand Tour crown in Spain.
Both riders’ hopes of claiming the red jersey in Madrid were undoubtedly boosted by the absence of superstars Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates), who have shared the last five Tour de France titles.
"It’s a lot more enjoyable," O’Connor said in an exclusive interview with Eurosport. "You feel super involved in the race, which is one of the best things.
“When those two boys are there and they are a class above, it can be hard, because you never have that opportunity.
“But here, I have this jersey now for 10 days, which is something that wasn’t possible in the Giro for example. It’s just been a pleasure to be here and have that shot.”
- ‘I don't like it but I cannot change it’ – Roglic on time penalty for drafting
- Roglic eats into O'Connor lead as Cuitu Negru leaves race in bits, Castrillo wins the day
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/09/01/4034997-81837588-2560-1440.png)
Cycling - La Vuelta - Stage 15 - Short Highlights
Video credit: TNT Sports
This year, Pogacar became the first rider to win the Tour and Giro d'Italia in the same year since Marco Pantani in 1998.
But he opted out of the race in Spain after deciding to focus on the World Championships, while Vingegaard chose to rest up to focus on "different priorities."
The final week of the Vuelta promises plenty of thrills and spills, with two mountain stages still to come on Tuesday and Saturday - as well as a summit finish on Friday.
Roglic will be hoping to chase down O’Connor after putting a dent in the Australian’s lead - despite being handed a time penalty following a dramatic Stage 15.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/09/01/4034941-81836473-2560-1440.jpg)
Roglic comments post-stage leave Blythe 'baffled'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Looking ahead at what he sees as the key moments of the final week, O’Connor said: “I think [Tuesday] first of all, because it’s a really hard stage. I don’t know what the weather is going to be like, but if it’s like it is now – wet, drizzle...
“Then Friday’s stage really suits Primoz a lot so that’s a big battle.
“To be honest the day I'm looking forward to most is Saturday. The Picon Blanco stage. It’s almost 5000 metres of climbing. It’s the kind of day I always love - that's my kind of jam.
“Once the Vuelta is finished in Madrid I'll also have a nice celebration and I’ll be even happier then.”
So how does O’Connor fancy his chances of holding off Roglic to win his first Grand Tour title?
“If I'm very good tomorrow, then I have a small chance, but it’s definitely not a big chance,” he said.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/09/01/4034868-81835013-2560-1440.jpg)
Confusion reigns as Roglic appears to think he finished behind O'Connor - despite gaining time
Video credit: TNT Sports
Stream every stage of La Vuelta a Espana on Eurosport and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement