O'Connor honored his Vuelta ticket and then some: "I was able to keep going constantly, which was special"

It was a big day for the overjoyed O'Connor, who also completed his trilogy of stage wins in major tours: after the Giro and Tour, he also won a stage in the Vuelta. "Before the tour started, I had already looked at that list. It feels nice that my name is on it now. And then on top of that, the red jersey: this is probably something I'm only going experience once."

"It felt like I was racing on another planet. When thirty riders got away at one point, I was disappointed because I wasn't among them. Seizing the opportunity felt like a good moment," O'Connor said.

Another chance followed. "Then I just went for it; it felt like a day when I could take my chance. From the start, I felt I could win this stage, which was special. I could keep going constantly, which differed from the past few days. Maybe it was because it wasn't as hot, it wasn't 42 degrees anymore," laughed the man from Perth.

The leading French rider - who will join Jayco AlUla next year - enjoyed the day in the breakaway. "This is nice cycling," he stated lightheartedly before switching to a more serious voice. "Can I stay as a leader for a long time? We'll see; it depends on how I do on Sunday in the mountain stage to Granada. It's a great opportunity; I'm already happy to have started the tour without a crash," he said modestly.