A few riders were left disappointed after the initial time-trial of the Giro d'Italia, one of them being Thymen Arensman. The Dutchman has struggled with form throughout the first part of his season but looked to gain motivation towards the start. The opening day was however a shock to the system.
“I felt super good in the beginning, I overtook the rider in front of me very quickly," the Dutchman said following his effort. "After that I kind of blew myself up. It is what it is, I can't change it." Arensman is on his best day a strong time-trialist, reminiscent of the figure of Chris Froome. However his issues since joining INEOS Grenadiers have continued.
The Dutchman rode to 32nd on the day, 1:31 minutes down on Remco Evenepoel. Although it's uncertain if he will try to contest for the overall classification, that was the plan set out in the beginning of the season and his rise of form throughout the Tour of the Alps looked to provide a glimmer of hope into that ambition. The start to the race proved this may be a more difficult task than hoped.
“What was it about? That's what I just said: I blew myself up, it is what it is. I had a super high heart rate, maybe because I'm a little chilly," he concluded. "But as we know the third week is super tough, so that's about it. I don't know if I will still have a good feeling about this later on, who knows.”
It's a strong start at the #Giro as @GannaFilippo sets the second fastest time on the opening stage - 22secs back on early leader Remco Evenepoel. @taogeoghegan put in a superb TT with fourth on the day, with @GeraintThomas86 also right up there in ninth.
