Geraint Thomas was one of the more notable casualties of the shortened, rain-affected stage 16 at the 2024 Giro d'Italia, losing considerable time to his rivals and dropping from 2nd to 3rd in the general classification in the process.
Notably, despite Thomas clearly struggling, the Welshman's INEOS Grenadiers teammate, Thymen Arensman opted not to wait and support his leader, instead battling on with White Jersey rival, Antonio Tiberi on the final climb instead. "The team told us we had to climb the climb as quickly as possible," reflected the Dutchman post-stage 16.
When asked by Eurosport ahead of the start of stage 17 on Wednesday morning, whether or not he had given his young teammate the go ahead to fight for himself on the final climb, "No," Thomas responded bluntly yet firmly. "It might have been better if Thymen had waited, but still. It was such a short climb, it only took a few minutes. It wouldn't have made much difference anyway. It was only a few seconds.”
Having lost time, and now finding himself on the back foot in the race for second however, Thomas might be out to prove a point on another mountainous day on stage 17. “I feel better now than yesterday. I hope things get better again. If there is an opportunity to take back second place in the GC, I will definitely try," concludes the 37-year-old. "If the legs are good, I definitely want to attack. But that is easier said than done.”
Arensman meanwhile, starts the day 6th in the general classification, just 24 seconds off Antonio Tiberi in the race for the White Jersey in the Best Young Rider classification. Whilst the Maglia Rosa is completely out of sight barring a miracle, INEOS Grenadiers still have plenty to ride for at a Grand Tour that has already seen them take a pair of stage wins.
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