Ben O'Connor to Return to Decathlon CMA CGM in 2027
The 30-year-old cyclist will rejoin his former team on a two-year contract starting in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Cycling
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Australian rider Ben O'Connor will return to the Decathlon CMA CGM team in 2027 following the conclusion of his tenure with Jayco AlUla. The 30-year-old cyclist has signed a new two-year agreement with his former squad.
Why it matters
O'Connor brings significant experience to the team, having previously secured stage victories at both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. His return marks a strategic move for the team as they look to build on his successful history with the organization.
Ben O'Connor is currently 30 years old and previously spent four years with Decathlon CMA CGM from 2021 to 2024. His career highlights include a second-place finish at the Vuelta a España.
The players
Ben O'Connor
He is a 30-year-old professional Australian cyclist known for his stage wins at the Tour de France and Vuelta a España.
Decathlon CMA CGM
This is a professional cycling team that previously employed O'Connor for a four-year period.
Jayco AlUla
This professional cycling team has employed O'Connor for two seasons since 2025.
The details
The team officially announced the return of the rider through their social media channels, confirming he will rejoin the roster after spending two seasons at Jayco AlUla. The new contract ensures O'Connor will compete for Decathlon CMA CGM for at least two years beginning in 2027.
Timeline
Ben O'Connor raced for Decathlon CMA CGM from 2021 through 2024.
The rider joined the Jayco AlUla team in 2025.
O'Connor will return to Decathlon CMA CGM starting in 2027.
Season Trajectory
The return of a lead rider to his former team follows the pattern set by the 2021-2024 tenure of Ben O'Connor at Decathlon CMA CGM. This shift reintegrates a proven stage racer into the squad, directly impacting the team's leadership dynamics for future Grand Tours.
Fans of professional cycling can anticipate O'Connor leading the team's general classification efforts in 2027 based on his past success at the Vuelta a España. His departure from Jayco AlUla after the 2026 season will necessitate a shift in that team's roster priorities for major stage races.
The takeaway
Riders often return to teams where they have previously found success to leverage established synergy with support staff and teammates. Following professional athlete transfers helps enthusiasts track how team strengths and race strategies shift over multi-year cycles.
Further reading
For more news on professional racing rosters, visit the Cycling section.
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