"I have to say it's a difficult time" - Thymen Arensman feeling the pressure at INEOS Grenadiers
Cycling
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.
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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.
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Rúben SilvaEditor-in-Chief
A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
Beyond editorial work, he has been closely involved in the expansion and coordination of CyclingUpToDate’s wider network, helping establish and support sister platforms across multiple languages. This includes ongoing collaboration with CiclismoAlDia (Spanish), CiclismoAtual (Portuguese), WielrennenUpToDate (Dutch), and RadsportAktuell (German), contributing to a shared editorial vision and consistent international coverage.
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Originally from the Porto metropolitan area in Portugal, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography. His path into cycling journalism was shaped not through formal media training, but through independent reporting, community engagement, and sustained on-the-ground involvement in the sport.
Over the course of his career, he has conducted approximately 100 interviews across road cycling and cyclocross, ranging from one-to-one conversations and online formats to press conferences and on-site pre- and post-race coverage. His interviews include leading riders, team managers, and prominent figures within cycling media: Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert, Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock; managers like Patrick Lefevere and Joxean Matxin; and YouTube personality Bryan Kennedy (BKXC)...
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Inside 30km to go at #TotA and we're headed for a beast of a final climb to Brentonico San Valentino. There's been a 12-strong break to control today and once again we're expecting a big GC showdown at the summit.
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