Jerry Ryan gives Ben O'Connor a congratulatory hug behind the podium at the UCI Road World Championships. Jerry Ryan was especially happy for O'Connor's silver medal in the men's road race, Australia's lead in medals, and that O'Connor will be racing for Jayco Alura in 2025.

Perth-born O'Connor capped off a great 2024 season in Zurich. He finished fourth in the Giro d'Italia, finished second overall in the Vuelta a España after winning the leader's jersey for two weeks, and won the world title in the mixed relay time trial with his Australian teammate. He will not race again in the Decathlon-AG2R after this season as he will rest up for the 2025 season.

O'Connor won a silver medal in the men's road race, moving Australia above Belgium in the final UCI Road World Championship medal standings. Grace Brown won gold in the women's time trial and Australia won the mixed relay time trial. Neve Bradbury won silver in the women's under-23 road race.

“Finishing second is a huge result for me and for the Aussie team,” said O'Connor, who hung her big silver medal on her green and gold jersey.

It is not often that professional riders race against national teams, and while they are rivals throughout the season, they are often united when they wear the green and gold jerseys.

“Camaraderie is one of the hallmarks of this country,” says O'Connor.

“We chatted a lot as a team for this race. There are no egos, everyone has achieved results in their careers and knows where they stand, what their strengths are, and how to fight."

‘We have a lot of experience in this race,’ O'Connor said.

O'Connor had a tough couple of weeks after a tough Vuelta, but his teammates motivated him.

“My teammates patted me on the head for being a good rider. I wasn't in that mood at the start,” he admitted.

When Jay Vine went on the attack early and Pogachar surged ahead with 100 km to go, the rest of the field played the waiting game.

Michael Matthews was a protected rider, but as he struggled, O'Connor was free to ride. He dug deep to make important choices on the climbs and survived big attacks by Lemko Evenpole and Mathieu Van der Pol.

Knowing he was not a fast finisher, O'Connor had to attack late in the race.

“It was perfect timing, something I've done all my career,” O'Connor calmly explained.

“I had to make a lot of big, big moves early on to close the gap and get ahead. The worst was when Lemko and Mas tried to pass Marc Hirschi. That was awful, but we managed to survive. We found some great moments and when you get great moments like that you have to commit to them.”

“I had good company on the podium. I've done well in the races this year, so I'm really proud of the podium. I'm very happy. Taddei has the rainbow jersey, but second place is a world-class one-day result for me.”