Australian cyclist Ben O’Connor of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale delivered a stunning performance in the sixth stage of the 2024 Vuelta a España, claiming both the stage victory and the overall lead in the general classification. The 185.5-kilometer mountainous stage from Jerez de la Frontera to Yunquera saw O’Connor launch a decisive attack 60 kilometers from the finish, eventually crossing the line with a lead of over six minutes on the peloton.O’Connor’s impressive solo effort not only secured him the stage win but also catapulted him from 23rd to first place in the general classification. He now leads the race by 4:51 minutes over previous leader Primoz Roglic, who dropped to second place. This victory marks O’Connor’s first in the Vuelta and completes his set of stage wins in all three Grand Tours.The stage began in an unconventional manner, starting from the aisles of a Carrefour supermarket in Jerez de la Frontera. This unique start, a first in the ‘history of cycling’ according to the organizers, highlights the sport’s reliance on sponsorship and adds to the Vuelta’s history of quirky stage starts.As the race progresses, attention now turns to the upcoming stages. Friday’s stage between Archidona and Córdoba could provide another opportunity for a breakaway victory. With O’Connor now holding a significant lead, the other contenders, including Roglic, will need to reassess their strategies for the remainder of the Vuelta.
Key points
- Ben O’Connor won stage 6 of the Vuelta a España with a solo breakaway, gaining over six minutes on the peloton.
- O’Connor took the overall lead in the general classification, 4:51 minutes ahead of previous leader Primoz Roglic.
- The stage uniquely started from a Carrefour supermarket, a first in cycling history according to organizers.
Contradictions👾There is a slight discrepancy in the reported time gaps.
While most sources report O’Connor’s lead as 4:51 minutes, one source mentions a 4:33-minute gap.
