Experts see Thymen Arensman as potential leader of INEOS over Geraint Thomas: "They will be very happy when either of them makes it onto the podium"

What can possibly be Thymen Arensman's role in this year's Giro d'Italia? A key domestique for Geraint Thomas? The one to throw the situation off-balance in the mountains? Kop over Kop guests analyze the Dutchman's options and the conclusion is that the 24-year-old rider is ready to take on the leader's role!

Jip van den Bos thinks that INEOS Grenadiers has all the ingredients to prepare an interesting Giro. "Because they have two leaders for the classification, it is a very interesting team. If we think positively, they could attack Pogacar alternately to crack him. I don't think there will be any arguments between them and they will be very happy when either of them makes it onto the podium. They should really do it together."

Jeroen Vanbelleghem has confidence in Arensman in the shadow of Thomas. "Arensman has ridden two stage races this year. He finished fifth in the Algarve and sixth in Tirreno-Adriatico. That is just good. Thomas is the leader, but that does not mean that Arensman has to be in the lead. INEOS is not going to control that race."

He continues. "We already have an uphill finish on day two. Who knows, he may do better there than Thomas and there will no longer be a question about leadership after that day. It is also possible."