Ben O'Connor replaces injured Luke Plapp in Paris 2024 Olympics road race squad

Luke Plapp has withdrawn from this weekend's Olympic road race on medical grounds after undergoing abdominal surgery for injuries he sustained in a crash during last Saturday's Olympic individual time trial.

Plapp crashed in wet conditions soon after passing through the 13km checkpoint with the fourth best time.

“Luke is receiving the best of care in hospital and is being well supported by our medical team,” Chef de Mission Anna Meares said. 

“We expect he'll be out of hospital this week and wish him a speedy recovery.” 

Plapp will be replaced by Western Australian, Ben O’Connor, 28, who will join Simon Clarke and Michael Matthews for the 272km road race on Saturday. 

Ben finished fourth in the Giro d’Italia in May and has been preparing for the Vuelta a España.

“Ben has performed strongly this season and is currently in top form,” Meares said. 

“He is very motivated to join his team mates 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.”

Originally published by Australian Olympic Committee.