"I have to say it's a difficult time" - Thymen Arensman feeling the pressure at INEOS Grenadiers

Thymen Arensman proved his worth extensively last year with Team DSM has he thrived to multiple high-level wins, however he's not yet completed his transition to INEOS Grenadiers. Aiming at the Giro d'Italia, the pressure he's feeling from himself sees him far from his best level until now.

"I have to say it's a difficult time. A new team, a completely different environment, the pressure that I impose on myself... it's not easy mentally. I'm very happy to race in this team and to learn from great riders. I'm really learning a lot about myself and about cycling, and I'm sure it's going to make me better," Arensman told Wielerflits at the Tour of the Alps. The Dutchman is targeting the Giro d'Italia's overall classification alongside the likes of Tao Geoghegan Hart and Geraint Thomas, but is a level below his teammates this week.

He's struggled to show form this year, only briefly displaying it at the Volta a Comunitat Valenciana. Over the Volta ao Algarve and Tirreno-Adriatico he struggled, and on the opening day of the Tour of the Alps he fell out of the GC fight as he cracked early on, a bad sign just weeks ahead of the Corsa Rosa. However as Tao Geoghegan Hart won the opening two stages and leads the race, he found himself with some more purpose, assisting the Briton and the team's ambitions.

Asked if he is worried about his current form ahead of the Giro the Dutchman responded: "I don't I'm in no hurry and the team has full confidence in me, and even more than me in myself perhaps." His 26th spot at the queen stage of the Tour of the Alps whilst assisting Hart is a good sign for the weeks to come as he looks to be coming along with some form.