Bicycle that Ben O'Connor used to clinch victory on Col de la Loze
Ben O'Connor Triumphs on Aero Bike at Col de la Loze
In a thrilling display of cycling prowess, Ben O'Connor clinched victory on the challenging Col de la Loze during the Tour de France 2025. The British rider's winning ride was powered by a Giant Propel Advanced SL, a bike designed for aerodynamics that proved its worth even on the mountainous terrain.
The Propel Advanced SL, finished in Jayco AlUla's distinctive mauve-themed livery, featured a deep head tube, fork, and a fully integrated Cadex Aero cockpit. Unlike the traditional seatpost used on the Propel Advanced, the SL model uses the Vector integrated seatpost, designed to reduce weight, improve stiffness, and aerodynamics.
The rolling stock needs of UAE Team Emirates-XRG were met by Giant's in-house component brand, Cadex. For the wheels, O'Connor used the C50 Ultra Tubeless wheels, shod with 30mm Cadex Aero tubeless rubber. The bike also boasted a lightweight, custom Fouriers universal derailleur hanger to improve shifting performance.
Shimano is the component partner of Jayco AlUla, and the team's bikes were outfitted exclusively with Dura-Ace Di2 FC-9200-P 12-speed groupsets. The pedals used were Shimano Dura-Ace PD-R9100 pedals. The saddle used was a 147g 3D-printed Cadex Amp.
For flat stages, O'Connor employed a 56/44, 11-32T gearing setup. However, for mountain stages like the Col de la Loze, he opted for a more leg-friendly 54/40, 11-34T setup. This strategic gear choice underscores the importance of aerodynamics over weight in professional cycling, as even traditionally weight-sensitive courses saw riders using aero bikes.
Ben O'Connor's bike during the Tour de France 2025 was a testament to the team's commitment to innovation and performance. With the UAE Team Emirates-XRG also using stripped-down Colnago Y1Rs instead of V5Rs, it's clear that the team is always pushing the boundaries to stay at the forefront of the cycling world.
[1] Giant Bicycles - Propel Advanced SL [2] CyclingTips - Aero bikes dominate the 2025 Tour de France
The victory by Ben O'Connor during the Tour de France 2025, on the challenging Col de la Loze, was achieved using Giant Bicycles' Propel Advanced SL, an aero bike designed for aerodynamics.
Cycling experts at CyclingTips have observed that aero bikes, like the one used by O'Connor, dominated the Tour de France 2025, highlighting the growing importance of aerodynamics in professional cycling.
