The 2024 Vuelta a España has been nothing short of thrilling, with each stage bringing unexpected twists and turns. However, for Ben O’Connor, the race leader, Stage 17 marked a challenging day as he saw his time advantage slip away, largely due to another dominant performance by the ever-formidable Primož Roglič.
Ben O’Connor, the Australian rider from AG2R Citroën Team, has been one of the standout performers in this year’s Vuelta. His consistent displays of strength and tactical acumen had earned him the coveted red jersey. With a solid team backing him and the confidence that comes with leading a Grand Tour, O’Connor seemed poised to maintain his position at the top of the general classification (GC).
In the earlier stages, O’Connor had managed to fend off attacks from other GC contenders, including Roglič, and had built a respectable lead. His performances in the mountains, where he excelled in pacing and endurance, made him a favorite to carry the red jersey all the way to Madrid.
Roglič Strikes Again
Primož Roglič, the Slovenian star from Jumbo-Visma, is no stranger to the demands of a Grand Tour. A three-time Vuelta champion, Roglič knows when to strike, and Stage 17 provided the perfect opportunity. The stage featured a brutal mountain finish that played to his strengths, and Roglič took full advantage.
In a show of sheer power, Roglič launched a relentless attack on the final climb, leaving his rivals, including O’Connor, struggling to keep up. The Slovenian’s acceleration was simply too much for the Australian, who found himself losing valuable seconds as Roglič surged ahead.
By the time they reached the summit, Roglič had clawed back significant time on O’Connor, narrowing the gap in the GC standings. Roglič’s performance was a reminder of his experience and his ability to deliver under pressure, particularly in the latter stages of a Grand Tour.
O’Connor Reflects on the Loss
Speaking after the stage, a visibly disappointed O’Connor reflected on the time loss. “It’s frustrating, no doubt. I knew Roglič would be strong today, but I couldn’t match his pace on the final climb. The team did everything they could to support me, but sometimes it just comes down to legs, and today I didn’t have enough.”
Despite the setback, O’Connor remained optimistic about his chances in the remaining stages. “There’s still a lot of racing to go, and I’m not going to give up. We’ve worked hard to get here, and I’ll fight until the end. It’s just a matter of staying focused and giving it everything we’ve got in the coming days.”
With only a few stages left in the Vuelta, the race for the red jersey is far from over. Roglič’s performance on Stage 17 has undoubtedly shaken up the GC, but O’Connor is determined to hold onto his lead. The next stages will be crucial, with both riders expected to engage in a fierce battle for overall victory.
For O’Connor, the challenge will be to recover from the time lost and to remain competitive in the final mountain stages. He’ll need to rely on his team and his resilience to withstand the inevitable attacks from Roglič and other GC contenders.
As the Vuelta heads into its final stretch, the spotlight will be on O’Connor and Roglič. While Roglič’s experience and strength make him a formidable opponent, O’Connor’s grit and determination have been evident throughout the race. Cycling fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to what has already been a dramatic edition of the Vuelta a España.
Ben O’Connor’s time loss on Stage 17 has added an extra layer of excitement to the 2024 Vuelta a España. As he battles to maintain his GC lead against a resurgent Primož Roglič, the final stages of the race promise to be an epic showdown between two of the peloton’s finest. Whether O’Connor can hold off Roglič’s charge and claim his first Grand Tour victory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the fight for the red jersey is far from over.
