Gerry Ryan gave Ben O'Connor a celebratory hug behind the UCI Road World Championship podium. The Jayco-AlUla team owner and long-time supporter of Australian cycling was happy that O'Connor had won the silver medal in the men's road race, happy that Australia had topped the medal table, and no doubt especially happy that O'Connor would race for Jayco-AlUla in 2025.
The Perth-born rider crowned a superb 2024 season in Zurich. It included fourth place in the Giro d'Italia, a hard-fought second overall in the Vuelta a Espana after two weeks in the leader's jersey and a world title in the Mixed Relay time trial with his Australian teammates. He will not race again for Decathlon-AG2R, preferring to end his season and rest up for the 2025 season.
