In a major coup for Australian cycling, WorldTour professional Ben O'Connor has confirmed he will race on home soil, targeting the coveted green and gold jersey at the upcoming AusCycling Road National Championships in Perth.
Homecoming for a Title Contender
The Perth-born rider, who now races for the French Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale team, is set to line up in the elite men's road race on Sunday, January 12, 2025. The event will be a highlight of the championships, which run from January 8 to 12 across various locations in Western Australia. For O'Connor, this represents a rare opportunity to compete for a national title in front of a home crowd.
"It's a massive goal of mine," O'Connor stated, emphasising the significance of the event. The 28-year-old has enjoyed a successful European career, including a stunning stage win and fourth overall at the 2021 Tour de France, but an Australian national championship title remains a glaring omission from his palmarès.
The Perth Course and Competition
The elite men's road race will cover a challenging 163.8km course starting and finishing in the heart of Perth. Riders will face multiple ascents of the gruelling Jacob's Ladder climb on Mount Street, a short but brutally steep pinch that is sure to shatter the peloton and decide the winner. This iconic Perth feature will test the pure climbers and puncheurs in the field.
O'Connor will face stiff competition from a strong domestic field, including the likes of Lucas Plapp (Jayco AlUla), the current national time trial champion and a formidable rival. Plapp's prowess against the clock and on aggressive terrain makes him a prime contender. The battle between these two top Australians, along with other hopefuls, promises to deliver an electrifying spectacle for local fans.
Significance and Future Ambitions
Securing the national champion's jersey is about more than just personal glory for O'Connor. Wearing the distinctive green and gold stripes throughout the 2025 European racing season is a powerful symbol of national pride and a mark of honour. It also provides a significant morale boost as he builds towards his major season objectives, which traditionally include Grand Tours like the Giro d'Italia or Tour de France.
His decision to travel back to Australia for this event underscores its importance in his sporting calendar. It's a commitment that excites both the local cycling community and sports fans across the nation, offering a chance to see a world-class athlete compete on familiar roads.
The AusCycling Road National Championships will showcase the full spectrum of Australian cycling talent, from juniors and under-23 riders to the elite professionals. With Ben O'Connor leading the charge for the men's elite title, the event in Perth is poised to be a memorable chapter in Australian cycling history.
