Some races mark a rider’s career. Others leave a lasting imprint. For Ben O’Connor, the Tour of the Alps does both.
It was on these cross‑border roads — set to host the 49th edition of the race organised by Sport Alto Garda from Monday 20 to Friday 24 April — that O’Connor took the first truly significant win of his career back in 2018. Six years later he returned to finish second overall, opening what would become the best season of his life: fourth at the Giro d’Italia, second at the Vuelta a España and a silver medal at the Road World Championships behind only Tadej Pogačar.
Two years after his last appearance, the Team Jayco‑AlUla leader is back where it all began — no longer as a surprise name, but as a contender for the Melinda green jersey awarded to the overall leader.
“I’m on the up,” O’Connor said. “After an altitude block between Andorra and Sierra Nevada I feel ready, and I’m aiming to be competitive at the Tour of the Alps. It’s a race I’ve always loved.”
The 2026 edition sticks to the TotA trademark: short but relentless stages, with climbing spread right across the route. In O’Connor’s view, it’s terrain that forces the race open from the very first kilometres.
“It’s a really demanding race. The summit finish at Martell/Val Martello is a first key moment, and there are stages that invite long‑range attacks. You have to be ready to go flat‑out all day, because gaps can open up a long way from the line. The Tour of the Alps is explosive — but a brilliant race to ride.”
“Ahead of the Giro d’Italia, the Tour of the Alps is the perfect fixture. It has both longer climbs and punchy finishes — an ideal balance at this point in the season.”
Asked about his rivals, the 30‑year‑old from Subiaco stayed measured. “The level is always very high. There’s no point going through the list of strong riders I’ll face — I’m focused on myself and on my condition. By the end of the five days I’ll know exactly where I stand.”
O’Connor and the other GC contenders will be in the spotlight on Sunday 19 April, during the eve‑of‑race programme in Innsbruck: pre‑race formalities, the favourites’ press conference at 16:15 CEST, and the team presentation at Congress Innsbruck on Rennweg at 17:00 CEST.
