"Normally, there is little you can do about him" - Former Dutch pro backs up Vingegaard for victory, but Thymen Arensman as the main threat

The Giro d'Italia enters its decisive phase this Friday afternoon as the peloton tackles the longest stage of the race, coinciding also with the first summit finish. The Blockhaus is one of the toughest climbs on the Apennines and we should see Jonas Vingegaard, Giulio Pellizzari, Thymen Arensman and all the other big favourites learn where they stand in the fight for the pink jersey.

“I am confident. He (Thymen Arensman, ed.) shouldn't be looking so much at Jonas Vingegaard, but rather at the rest," Erik Breukink, a two-time podium finisher at the Giro back in the 1980's, shared in words with Wielerflits.

The former Dutch pro sees one of his compatriots back in the fight for the Top10, with a field that has seen several GC candidates thrown out of the race. Before the Grande Partenza, João Almeida, Richard Carapaz and Mikel Landa all had to make the difficult decision for various different reasons.

Already during the race, the mass crash on stage 2 saw Santiago Buitrago withdraw; whilst the following day Adam Yates also withdrew from the race with a diagnosed concussion.

Breukink puts Vingegaard on a level of his own as the race heads into the mountains: "The Dane is the best climber and the top favorite for the overall victory".

"I also rate Giulio Pellizzari highly, but he is still very young. He still has to prove himself a bit. But behind him, you also mention Thymen Arensman's name very quickly. I certainly see him as a candidate for the final podium in Rome. But at the same time, the group that stands a chance of achieving that is quite large.”

The climb to Blockhaus will create a clear hierarchy in the overall classification; whilst the time trial on stage 10 is expected to be the next stage to create major differences.

"I am keeping Vingegaard somewhat out of the picture, because he could very well strike a major blow on Friday. Thymen is mainly dependent on Pellizzari. If he isn't too far behind him and stays close to the other GC contenders, then he can certainly build on that. In this field, he can ride for a podium finish. And who knows, maybe even more".

The likes of Michael Storer and Felix Gall are expected to also be in the mix as potential podium candidates; whilst Egan Bernal remains a wildcard - specially after he struggled deeply on stage 4.

"Vingegaard also has no guarantee that he will get through the battle unscathed. Normally, there is little you can do about him, because he has impressed me this year," Breukink adds. The numbers all point towards a victory for the Visma rider; but that will only be decided on the road.

The Dutchman is very confident in Thymen Arensman and his ability to thrive at this Giro d'Italia, specially taking into consideration his 2025 Tour de France where he won two mountain stages - the latter after a direct confrontation with the Dane.

"But apart from him, there is no one in this Giro who can't handle Arensman. He has his age and momentum on his side for something great".