Plapp, who crashed in Saturday's men's individual time trial and underwent abdominal surgery that evening, was scheduled to race with Simon Clark in support of Michael Matthews, but is still in the hospital after a severe fall, forcing a change of plans.

"I was going to be there to support Michael Matthews.

"Ben has performed strongly this season and is currently in great form. He is very eager to join his teammates in road racing."

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"His talent and versatility provide teams with options in a variety of race scenarios, which is extremely valuable in this race where the number of riders per country is small and the use of race radios by riders is not permitted.

O'Connor finished fourth overall in the last Giro d'Italia, continuing the strong GC performance of this year's climbers. The 28-year-old also finished second in the Tour de Alps and the UAE Tour this season, and started the season with a victory in the one-day Vuelta a Murcia.

The Tour de France and Giro d'Italia stage winner was preparing for the Vuelta a España, but was pulled out of the team for the 273km event, where Matthews is one of the favorites to win.

O'Connor would replace Plapp for his first Olympics.

Plapp competed in a track race in Tokyo, where he was injured after a good showing in the early stages of the wet time trial. He recorded the fourth fastest time at the first checkpoint at 13 km in the 32 km race.

"Luke is receiving the best possible treatment in hospital and is being well supported by the medical team. We expect him to be out of the hospital by the end of the week and wish him a speedy recovery," said Meares."