Ben O'Connor took a stage win on stage 17 of the Giro d'Italia on Wednesday. His NTT Pro Cycling team is looking for a new main sponsor for 2021, and his solo victory on the Madonna di Campiglio climb should play some role in showing what the Australian and his team are capable of.

"It's certainly a nice way to get some personal attention, but now we just have to wait and see," O'Connor said at the post-stage press conference.

"I think the point of the race is to win the bike race. Winning is what we aim for as athletes and what we need to do as a team as professionals." "So I hope it's a really positive relief and helps us find our future - not only for us riders, but also for the staff of this team. Not only for us riders, but also for the staff of this team.

"I think the team really needed this win. I think the team really needed this win, as did my family and friends who put a lot of faith in me.

The 24-year-old O'Connor, who won the Etoile de Besseges stage in Le Montbouquet in February, had recently come close to a stage victory in the Giro, finishing second to Bahrain McLaren's Jan Tratnik on stage 16 on Tuesday.

"I think I cried from relief because I was overwhelmed by the amount of effort and work, not only by myself, but also by everyone around me. 'I had so much support since yesterday, it would have been a shame not to try again.'

"I think it's been an incredibly tough year for a lot of people, and what else can you do but cry when you experience such joy?

As for the sponsor situation, he said, "You know how the teams are. But a race like this gives hope to the team and to everyone."

Team principal Doug Ryder said, "This is a great stage for Ben and a great stage for the team. This is something we've worked hard on as a team."

"It's a great stage for Ben and a great stage for the team.

"We went into this Tour de France hoping for a stage win and a high overall finish, but the team showed that even though they are struggling to find a new title partner, there is complete unity and everyone is committed to each other. [Ben, who finished second yesterday and was disappointed with himself, rallied again today and rode like he did.

"Each and every one of them showed how committed they are to the result and to supporting the team that has supported them for so many years. It's a beautiful story," Ryder said. I'm really happy for Ben and of course for the team."