“I can still feel the torn glute” – Arensman battling for fitness ahead of world championships

Earlier this month at the Tour of Britain, Thymen Arensman crashed and suffered both a bruised hip and a torn gluteal muscle. Despite the injuries, he fought through the pain and completed the race. Just weeks earlier he had won two mountain stages at the Tour de France, confirming himself as one of the brightest Dutch hopes in men’s cycling. Now, with the World Championships in Rwanda approaching, Arensman is pushing forward with his plans to line up on September 28 for the 267.5km race that features 5,475 metres of climbing at altitude, where Tadej Pogacar will start as the overwhelming favourite to retain his title.

After Britain, Arensman returned to his home base in Andorra to put the finishing touches on his preparation. "I can train really well in Andorra," Arensman told Wieler Revue. "On the 17th, we'll be meeting in Brussels with the KNWU to go to Rwanda."

The Dutchman has long used the Pyrenean microstate as a training ground, and he hopes the altitude will sharpen his form for what promises to be a brutal day of racing in Africa. The riders will not only take on 5,475 metres of climbing, but the air will be thin too.

The crash in Britain has left its mark, even as he pushes on with training. "I can still feel my hip, because a bruise can linger for a long time. I can also still feel the torn glute, but it's healing really well. I can still do all my work and I'm not missing any of my training, but yeah, it is a bit annoying."

With the season drawing to a close, Arensman sees Rwanda as both a challenge and a reward after a long year. "It's a long time, but it's also the final phase before the off-season. Rwanda will be an interesting adventure, but I'm going there with an open mind. I'm going to make the most of it." For Dutch cycling, he will carry the hopes of a strong performance on one of the toughest courses ever set for a World Championship.

Away from racing, the Tour of Britain also marked the farewell of 2018 Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas. Arensman joined his Ineos Grenadiers teammate for the occasion and enjoyed a unique glimpse into Welsh traditions. "Geraint had a great party. I was there too. It was a lot of fun, but with the handbrake on, of course." He added, "I definitely enjoyed it, and it was very interesting to see Welsh culture. It's very different from what we're used to, but beautiful to see."