Thymen Arensman enters his 'third week mode' and closes the gap to fifth overall: "I think Geraint and I showed that we are also in good shape"
CyclingTuesday, 21 May 2024 at 13:09
Tadej Pogacar was unbeatable in the queen stage riding away from his opponents in a lighting speed. However behind the phenomenal Slovenian, an exciting battle unfolded between the other classification riders fighting over the second spot overall. After struggles in the first week, Thymen Arensman was finally in the mix, pushing the pace up for INEOS Grenadiers leader Geraint Thomas.
"It was indeed a very tough stage, but of course we knew that in advance," Arensman explained in front of the Cycling Pro Net camera. "The end of the final climb was especially difficult, especially because the last hundreds of meters were over gravel strips. That was also interesting in some ways. It was a beautiful day for us as INEOS Grenadiers. We knew Tadej was going to be super strong, but I think Geraint and I showed that we are also in good shape. That's nice to see."
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Additionally, Arensman significantly reduced his gap to fifth overall Antonio Tiberi, who happens to be the only man standing between Arensman and White jersey for the best U25 rider. Despite the fact that the white jersey is now almost up for grabs, the Dutchman indicates that he was not yet riding around with that ranking in mind.
"Not at all. I just thought about riding up as quickly as possible, I think Geraint did too. Some were looking at each other a bit, so I decided to speed up the pace myself. I know Geraint likes that, and so do I."
Will Arensman be racing with white in mind from now on? No, as it turns out. "I just want to get from A to B as quickly as possible and that's it. The white isn't in my head at all." However it would be a nice reward for his comeback in the third week regardless, wouldn't it?
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- He definitely doesn't want red yet. But much of that is probably because he has no confidence in his team.Veganpotter18-05-2025
- I think he's there hoping for the best with his fitness while still having his pipedream of a TdF win. He's not capable of winning the TdF, this is the way to do it while hoping to take the GiroVeganpotter18-05-2025
- I'm not frustrated, I'm simply tired of having to read your bloviating, ill-advised comments in response to almost every article posted on this site. I will grant that at you're not as offensive as some of the subhuman right-wing cretins who feel compelled to display their asinine beliefs at every turn. So you've got that going for you.verve82518-05-2025
- I understand and fully support the protest against Israel's genocide of the Palestinians. However, there is no need to put any riders at risk in protesting this. Any sporting or arts body not kicking out Israel from competition and events is complicit in what's happening in Gaza. You need little moral compass to know the UCI should ban IPT from competing. It's flying the flag for baby killers. For a regime starving 2 million people. A regime that bombs hospitals and refugee tents. It's fkn nuts and repulsive.Matt18-05-2025
- Enigmatic as ever. He only cares about the jersey on one day: the last one. He knows better than anyone what it means to assume too much too soon.RidesHills18-05-2025
- I can't believe he even made it back to the professional level. It's so good to hear his name called again in a Grand Tour. His Tour de France podium speech was one of the most gracious I can recall in many years.
Barney17-05-2025 - Sometimes I am, you’re right. Seems like a waste of time to live life on the toilet. Do you feel better now you’ve managed to unload some of your frustration on a completely anonymous poster?Mistermaumau17-05-2025
- Come on Loren, don't make me wash your mouth out with soap.awp17-05-2025
- I hope they are arrested, promptly.awp17-05-2025
- That's because you're full of shit, per usual.verve82517-05-2025
The Giro is dead. Stop trolling my comments ffs!
I think Arensman will be stronger than Thomas and Martinez in the third week. He will be 2nd overall in Rome. The 3rd overall is up for grabs 🤔
Yes. My thinking as well.
Mind you! There is a troll replying your comment. That guy is a troll!
Yes the Giro is over apart from a crash ending Pogs race and we don't want that to happen.
There is still plenty to race for though. Thomas and Martinez and maybe O'Connor fighting for second. Tiberi and Arensman fighting for the White . Still quite a few riders chasing a top five placing.
I for one am looking forward to the next few days.