With the GC standings confirmed, @GeraintThomas86 slips to third overall, 22" back on Martinez (BOH) with @ThymenArensman retaining sixth. Still a long way to Rome in this #Giro 👊
"The team told us we had to climb the climb as quickly as possible" - Thymen Arensman opts not to wait for struggling Geraint Thomas on Giro stage 16
CyclingTuesday, 21 May 2024 at 18:41
Although Tadej Pogacar was as powerful and dominant as ever on stage 16 of the 2024 Giro d'Italia, those GC candidates behind had more mixed days. One of those to struggle and lose time was the INEOS Grenadiers' Geraint Thomas.
Thomas' teammate, Thymen Arensman however looked a lot stronger, securing a 6th place finish on the stage and keeping himself in the fight for the Best Young Riders jersey. “I was already at my limit on the first climb. So I never expected to do so well, especially because the climb was very punchy," he reflected post-stage in conversation with Eurosport. "I'm normally bad at that, but this was a good performance. I'm already looking forward to the longer climbs, which normally suit me even better.”
With Thomas struggling and losing time to main rival Daniel Martinez though, some questioned why Arensman was continuing to try and follow the attacks, instead of supporting his leader. “Today's final climb was really very explosive. I expected to lose time, but I still did quite well," the Dutchman says on the dramatic finale to the day. "The team told us we had to climb the climb as quickly as possible. I actually started a little too quickly and I had to pay for that somewhat. But I am satisfied with this outcome.”
The drama wasn't all on the final climb either as pre-stage, there was complete chaos within the peloton as riders' union CPA and the race organisers RCS were at loggerheads over plans to change the stage due to the adverse weather conditions. In the end, an agreement was reached between both parties as the riders took on only the final 120km, removing the opening climbs of the day.
“It really was a rollercoaster. It's not ideal to start a stage like this, but I'm especially happy that we as riders unanimously agreed on something," Arensman reflects of the drama. "That's nice to see. We have certainly learned from this, because things can be even better in the future.”
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