Thymen Arensman on INEOS' perfect ending to Paris-Nice: "I don't see it as a breakthrough moment, but simply the way we enjoy racing"

INEOS Grenadiers have finished Tirreno-Adriatico with Filippo Ganna in a briliant second place after leading most of it, but at Paris-Nice they were in the spotlight as well. The British team have won the final stage with a tactical masterpiece, and have seen Thymen Arensman also finish the week in a unexpected final podium.

"We created the plan, and everyone stuck to it. The plan was to ride hard from the start so that the other favorites would be isolated," Arensman said in a post-race interview. "Joshua Tarling did a great job in the valley and in the first part of the second climb, where the race exploded. We were still there with three guys so that we could benefit from our numerical advantage."

INEOS, who had three well positioned riders in the GC into the day, took full advantage of that situation after the Côte de Peille. "I told Magnus that he should catch us from behind and that Tobias [Foss] and I would be at the front. He could then attack from behind at full speed. Everyone was at their limit, and he could get away immediately," the Dutchman described. 

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Sheffield did go on to win the stage, catching up with the riders that were ahead of him, and later on surviving the chasing yellow jersey Matteo Jorgenson who looked to win the final day. Arensman's job was to cover the moves as best as possible and defend his place in the podium.

"He did a great job, Tobias [Foss] and I could defend his attack. I also had good legs, so I was in control. It's great that we finished third and fourth (in the overall classification, ed.), mainly because everyone was part of it, like in the echelon stage. The whole group is involved, and that's great."

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INEOS have been leaving a good impression over the first two months of the season, and this week's performances definitely add to it. "We've been riding this way since the season's first race. We've gotten off to a great start. This is a wonderful result. If you do the basics right, it will come naturally. I don't see it as a breakthrough moment, but simply the way we enjoy racing".

As for Arensman himself it provides a strong boost, as he gains a stronger position to lead INEOS at the Giro d'Italia (alongside Egan Bernal, most likely). "I have already finished on the podium in a World Tour race, but Paris-Nice is very nice. I feel a year older and stronger, and I hope to gain a few more percent on the Giro. I can often push myself a little more in the grand tours," he concluded.

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