'Switched on and ready to take a chance' – Ben O'Connor heads to Giro d'Italia on upward swing with aim to be 'thereabouts' in battle for podium

Ben O’Connor arrives at the 2026 Giro d’Italia with a renewed sense of purpose, aiming to be a strong contender in the general classification without setting a rigid podium target. The Australian rider from Jayco-AlUla emphasises consistency and seizing opportunities as his guiding principles, reflecting on how calculated risks and steady performances have propelled him to top finishes in previous Grand Tours. His recent results, including a fourth place at the 2024 Giro and second at the Vuelta that same year, underpin his belief that this approach could once again place him among the leaders. O’Connor’s form this season has been less straightforward than in previous years, lacking podium finishes but showing promising signs of progression, such as his eighth place at the Tour of the Alps. Speaking from Bulgaria just before the race, he acknowledged that while he does not enter the Giro brimming with the same confidence as in 2024, he feels on an upward trajectory. He highlighted the importance of how he manages the entire three weeks of racing rather than relying solely on early confidence, noting that the true test of his condition will come during the race’s pivotal mountain stages. The Giro’s challenging route, featuring multiple summit finishes and significant altitude gains, plays to O’Connor’s strengths as a climber. He singled out the stage 7 ascent to Blockhaus and the demanding final week climbs, including the finishes at Pila, Carì, Alleghe, and Piancavallo, as key opportunities to make his mark. O’Connor’s history of success on long, steep climbs in Grand Tours, such as his stage wins in the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, gives him confidence that the mountainous terrain will suit his style and endurance. Reflecting on last year’s Giro, O’Connor lamented the impact of illness in the final week, which curtailed his ability to fully capitalise on his form. This time, he is focused on pacing his build-up carefully to peak at the right moment and avoid overexertion early on. His strategy centres on maintaining consistency and waiting for the right moments to attack, particularly in the latter stages of the race. This measured approach, combined with his climbing prowess, positions him as a credible threat to challenge the race favourites. O’Connor’s outlook is pragmatic yet optimistic as he prepares to take on the Giro d’Italia once more. While he refrains from declaring outright ambitions for the podium, his focus on steady improvement and tactical opportunism suggests he could be a significant player in the battle for the general classification. Fans and rivals alike will be watching closely to see if he can convert his gradual progress into a strong overall result on one of cycling’s grandest stages.