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AAP
AAP
Roger Vaughan

O'Connor replaces Plapp in Australian cycling team

Ben O'Connor will replace Luke Plapp in Australia's road cycling team at the Paris Olympics.

Plapp remains in hospital after needing abdominal surgery, following his crash during the sodden men's road time trial on day one.

The 272km road race next Saturday, which starts and finishes in Paris, will be O'Connor's first race since he was fourth overall at the Giro d'Italia in May.

He has been preparing for next month's Vuelta a Espana.

Luke Plapp remains in hospital, but he's had a most welcome visitor.

While Michael Matthews will be Australia's protected rider, O'Connor and road captain Simon Clarke are also more than capable of a result if they find themselves in a decisive break.

"Ben has performed strongly this season and is currently in top form," said Australian chef de mission and former top track cyclist Anna Meares.

"He is very motivated to join his teammates for the road race.

"His talent and versatility provides the team with options in different race scenarios, which is highly valuable in a race that has fewer athletes per nation and doesn't permit the use of race radios by the athletes."

O'Connor also finished fourth overall at the 2021 Tour de France.

While Plapp's injury was a blow, the Australian cycling team has been buoyed by Grace Brown's gold medal in the women's time trial on day one.

This will be the first Olympics for O'Connor and Matthews, while Clarke competed in the road race at the 2016 Games.

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