The Ben O’Connor return to Decathlon CMA CGM is set for 2027, according to a report by L’Equipe.
The Australian climber currently rides for Jayco AlUla, which he joined in 2025. Before that move, O’Connor spent four seasons with Decathlon, then operating as AG2R.
A move back to the French team would restore one of Decathlon’s former Grand Tour leaders. It would also place O’Connor alongside Paul Seixas, one of the team’s most closely watched young riders.
Ben O’Connor return would follow major Decathlon changes
O’Connor’s reported move comes as Decathlon faces likely changes in its climbing group for 2027.
Felix Gall looks set to leave for Lidl-Trek, according to reports. Gall finished second overall at the Giro d’Italia before being linked with the American-registered team.
Gregor MĆ¼hlberger is also expected to make the same switch from Decathlon to Lidl-Trek.
Those departures would create space for another established Grand Tour rider. O’Connor would bring proven leadership and recent success in three-week racing.
The 30-year-old became a central figure at Decathlon during his first spell with the squad. He joined for the 2021 season and quickly delivered a breakthrough Tour de France performance.
On stage 9 of the 2021 Tour, O’Connor soloed to victory in Tignes. He later completed the race in fourth overall in Paris.
That result confirmed him as a Grand Tour contender. It also marked one of the defining performances of his time with the French setup.
Grand Tour record strengthened before Jayco move
O’Connor’s final season with Decathlon, in 2024, remains his strongest campaign to date.
He finished fourth overall at the Giro d’Italia, continuing his consistency in Grand Tour general classifications.
Later that season, he won stage 6 of the Vuelta a EspaƱa from the breakaway. That victory moved him into the red jersey.
O’Connor held the Vuelta lead for 13 stages before losing it on stage 19. He finished second overall behind Primož RogliÄ.
His 2024 season also included a silver medal in the road race at the World Championships in Zurich.
He also won the team time trial event with Australia before leaving Decathlon for Jayco.
Since joining Jayco AlUla, O’Connor has added another Tour de France stage win to his palmares.
He won in Courchevel after conquering the Col de la Loze, adding another high-profile Alpine victory.
Seixas link adds extra interest for Decathlon
A Decathlon return would place O’Connor in the same squad as Paul Seixas for 2027.
Seixas is preparing for his Tour de France debut when the race starts on Saturday in Barcelona.
He will become the youngest Tour starter in 89 years, adding more attention to Decathlon’s long-term plans.
Pairing O’Connor with Seixas would give the French team experience and youth in its climbing ranks.
However, the reported transfer remains focused on 2027. O’Connor still has immediate duties with Jayco at the Tour.
He features in Jayco’s squad for the 2026 Tour de France. Based on the reported move, it could be his last Tour in the Australian team’s purple colours.
Jayco will start the race with O’Connor, Pascal Ackermann, Luke Durbridge, Felix Engelhardt, Michael Matthews, Kelland O’Brien, Luke Plapp, and Mauro Schmid.
The squad’s first task is the opening team time trial in Barcelona on Saturday.
Only after that race will attention gradually shift toward the 2027 transfer picture. For now, O’Connor’s Tour role remains with Jayco.
For additional reporting, see www.domestiquecycling.com.