"I left too fast and got a parking ticket" - Thymen Arensman jokes about his huge positive split in Burgos time trial

Unlike many other GC contenders who lined up for the Volta a Burgos, Thymen Arensman was able to navigate safely through the chaotic first two stages, arriving for the decisive days in a perfect position. However a blow up on Lagunas de Neila (finished 35th, 1:44 behind) and subsequent okay performance against the clock don't seem to be enough to put the INEOS Grenadiers rider further than top-20.

With a sixth place, Arensman certainly did not disappoint, but he himself was not completely satisfied, as he said on his Instagram. "Sometimes you take a gamble and it doesn't work out well. Sometimes that's how sport works and it is what it is. I took a gamble on the first part of the stage against the wind, but the last five kilometers were much harder than I had expected based on the reconnaissance. I left too fast and got a parking ticket," he was able to joke about it.

Arensman admitted that certain events before the start ramp did not allow him to stay completely focused either. "Nevertheless, I am glad that I remained calm during some fuss about my number one minute before my start (yellow card), the feeling on the bike during this preparation race and to be back with the team."

The yellow card is one measure of a large package of measures by the UCI to make cycling safer. At the moment, the yellow cards have little consequences because they are part of a test phase. From next season, multiple yellow cards will have the necessary consequences, such as disqualification and a suspension for a certain period.

Although Arensman won't end the Volta a Burgos with the much-wished big result, he is happy with the progress he is making towards bigger goals (Vuelta a Espana?). "One more stage to go here in Burgos. From here on to the bigger goals for the second part of the season. We are on track."