Thymen Arensman ready to lead INEOS Grenadiers into the Giro d’Italia: “He keeps improving and learning”

With just four days to go until the 2025 Giro d’Italia gets underway on May 9th, all eyes are on the riders who could challenge for pink. For INEOS Grenadiers, that includes Thymen Arensman, who will share leadership duties alongside 2021 Giro winner Egan Bernal.

The 25-year-old Dutchman arrives in Italy off the back of a strong showing at the Tour of the Alps, where he claimed second overall and delivered a spectacular solo victory on stage 4. It was the latest signal that Arensman is ready to take another step forward as a Grand Tour contender, having already finished sixth at the Giro in both 2023 and 2024.

Speaking to Wielerflits, INEOS Grenadiers sports director Imanol Erviti praised Arensman’s continued development, both as a rider and as a team figure.

"Thymen is a very talented rider and it's great to work with him. He has a lot of potential, but for us as team managers he's good to work with. We follow his process. He keeps improving and learning," said Erviti.

The Spanish DS, himself a former WorldTour professional, knows the unique pressures that come with leadership at a Grand Tour, and believes Arensman is getting closer to handling that role fully.

"He has the potential to be a real leader, but that is part of the process. For a major tour, he has to be in good physical shape, but also mentally. The role of leader is very difficult. There is a lot of responsibility on you and that is quite a lot."

While Arensman has often been seen as a quieter figure in the peloton, Erviti says he’s stepped up when it counts.

“He is someone who leads the group when necessary. That is really a task, in the race, but also outside of it in the bus.”

Erviti also highlighted the Dutchman’s versatility, pointing out the specific strengths that set him apart in a GC battle.

“He is different from the riders I have ridden with. Thymen is very solid in all areas. His strongest point is the time trial, where he can really gain time on the pure climbers, but his consistency is also very important.”

Arensman’s recent performance at the Tour of the Alps wasn’t just about results, it was a crucial stepping stone in his Giro build-up.

"The Tour of the Alps was a race that demanded a lot from him, but that is part of the build-up. We knew in advance that he could be a bit inconsistent, but he had to get through that. That is sometimes difficult. We have to be mentally strong and also get through the difficult moments. But that tour was a good incentive for Thymen, especially in the run-up to the Giro."

Now, as the Giro approaches, the team believes the pieces are coming together.

"Who knows, it's still cycling. That's what makes it so beautiful. It's a new adventure and everyone starts from scratch. The goal is to keep growing, to be in the best possible shape at the start of the Giro. We are on the right track and we will see how it works out."

For INEOS, this race could provide them with a genuine opportunity for a podium. With no Pogacar, Vingegaard or Evenepoel, the main favourites will include Roglic (the winner in 2023), Ayuso and Carapaz (the winner in 2019).

2019 was the last time an INEOS rider didn’t finish at least on the podium at this race. Yet, it was also the last time the team won a grand tour, with Egan Bernal in 2021. Could we see an INEOS assault on pink this May?