Ben O’Connor fined and loses UCI points after podium mix-up

Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale’s Ben O’Connor did not have the best post-race cooldown after Stage 16 of the Vuelta a España on Tuesday. According to reports, he knew he had kept the red jersey (by a mere 5 seconds) but thought the ceremony was being held at the bottom of the mountain. In fact, they were waiting for him at the top. That meant he rode down the climb, before his team car then took him back for the jersey ceremony. He admitted afterwards that he was to blame for the mistake. However, video shows he was certainly not pleased with the hassle.

Not the best post-race situation

Leaders of stage races often have to do more than they’d prefer to do—press conferences, getting their jersey, signing things for fans or the organizers. What they would prefer to do is leave the venue, head to the hotel for food and a massage, and begin their recuperation for the next stage.

🚴‍♂️🔴 El líder de @lavuelta, Ben O’Connor, muy enfadado en su llegada al podio para enfundarse un día más La Roja. Tuvo un mal día, pero mantuvo el liderato por 5”.

📹 @nacholabarga pic.twitter.com/Dplzjhyfdm

— MARCA Polideportivo (@MarcaTMF) September 3, 2024

Despite his contrition, he was still fined 1,000 Swiss Francs and also lost 20 UCI points.

Roglič claws back time

Tuesday’s 16th stage of the 79th Vuelta a España featured the HC-rated Lagos de Covadonga, a mythical climb that served as the summit finish and drew plenty of attention. However, the second Cat. 1 climb of the day, the 7.5-km, 9.3-per cent La Collada Llomena, also had a significant impact on the race. Marc Soler secured his third career Vuelta stage win with another breakaway success. Primož Roglič gained time on Ben O’Connor’s red jersey. Meanwhile, it was a disastrous day for Wout van Aert, who crashed out of the race.

Stage 17 heads from Arnuero to Santander, 141.5 km, and features two tough climbs.

Canada’s Michael Woods (Israel – Premier Tech) has abandoned the Vuelta, citing fatigue. His team posted on X that the Ottawa native is trying to rest up for other races to close out the season.