Back to the Future? Ben O'Connor Linked With a Shock Decathlon Return in 2027

Ben O'Connor could be preparing to return to familiar territory. The Australian stage-race specialist has been linked with a move back to Decathlon CMA CGM in 2027, only two years after leaving the French structure to join Jayco AlUla.

The story was first reported by L'Équipe (https://www.lequipe.fr/Cyclisme-sur-route/Actualites/L-australien-ben-o-connor-va-revenir-au-sein-de-la-formation-decathlon-cma-cgm/1700955), which presented the transfer as decided. Other specialist outlets subsequently carried the report, but no official announcement has yet been made by O'Connor, Jayco AlUla or Decathlon CMA CGM.

Cyclingnews (https://www.cyclingnews.com/pro-cycling/teams-riders/ben-oconnor-rumoured-to-be-returning-to-decathlon-cma-cgm-for-2027/) added an important note of caution. Its reporting indicates that Decathlon are interested in signing the 30-year-old, although the agreement had not been finalised. Team management also declined to confirm the move publicly, meaning that the possible reunion must still be treated as transfer-market information rather than a completed deal.

O'Connor knows the French organisation extremely well. He raced within the AG2R and later Decathlon structure from 2021 to 2024, a period in which he established himself as a Grand Tour leader. His fourth place at the 2021 Tour de France and runner-up finish at the 2024 Vuelta a España showed his ability to compete near the front of three-week races.

A return would give Decathlon another experienced option for the general classification while the team continues to build around a new generation led by Paul Seixas. O'Connor's knowledge of the squad, his climbing ability and his experience under pressure could make him valuable both as a leader and as a tactical alternative. That does not necessarily mean he would arrive simply to work for Seixas; their roles would depend on the calendar, form and the team's sporting plans.

For Jayco AlUla, his departure would create a significant vacancy among the team's stage-race leaders. For Decathlon, however, the move would represent the return of a rider who produced some of the finest results of his career in its colours. The scenario is credible and the interest has been reported by more than one publication, but the decisive confirmation must come from the parties involved.

Until that happens, the most accurate conclusion is also the least sensational one: O'Connor is firmly on Decathlon's radar for 2027, but his homecoming is not yet official.