Jayco-AlUla proudly and humorously announces new leader, confirming Yates' departure (to Visma?)

Ben O'Connor has signed a two-year contract with Team Jayco-AlUla, the Australian team proudly announced through official channels on Thursday. The 28-year-old rider is transferring from Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale, where he has raced for the past three years. Previously, he made a name for himself with Team Dimension Data.

The transfer of O'Connor had been anticipated for several weeks now but could only be officially announced on August 1. Jayco-AlUla did so with a humorous video titled "Ben needs a pen!" — a touch of Australian humor, noting that O'Connor will be racing for a team from his home country for the first time in his WorldTour career.

O'Connor will be the new leading figure at Jayco-AlUla, at least until the end of 2026. Over the next two seasons, he will have the chance to prove himself as the leader in significant stage races. "O’Connor has demonstrated his talent and pedigree on multiple occasions on the world’s biggest stage, with incredible and consistent results over the past years, including two well fought fourth place finishes overall at the Tour de France (2021) and the Giro d’Italia (2024). GreenEDGE Cycling management believe he has the right DNA to fit into the team environment and culture, on and off the bike. With potential still inside, Team Jayco AlUla is eager to assist O’Connor to finally reach that grand tour overall podium finish after his two close fourth place results, and become the squad’s new general classification leader."

Read more below the video.

O'Connor to become the new leader of Jayco-AlUla

Team manager Brent Copeland confirmed the ambitious plans with O'Connor, who will succeed Simon Yates. Yates has long been rumored to be leaving for Visma | Lease a Bike. "Simon is leaving, and with Ben, we fill that gap. We feel he fits well into the team and are happy to support Australian riders, who have a place to grow here. We believe Ben can still develop as a general classification rider, and we want to bring out the best in him."

O'Connor is naturally thrilled with his new team. "I've always had the idea of racing for an Australian team, but I also know I have to deliver. It will be special to do so in an Australian environment. I am excited, and my ambitions are to stay aggressive and consistent. I hope to trade those fourth places in a Grand Tour for a podium spot. But victories are also important."