Thymen Arensman's GC hunt is on: "Without that first stage he would now be in the top five"

Gradually, Thymen Arensman has regained his position in the top-10 of Giro d'Italia after the second time trial. Despite a significant time loss during the opening stage in Albania, his GC bid is far from over with the decisive days in high mountains yet to come.

"Arensman does his usual Arensman thing," presenter Sander Kleikers suggested in a show Kop over Kop. By that he refers to last year's Giro, when the Dutchman lost plenty time early in the race as well, but later managed to conclude the Corsa Rosa in a sixth place.

"He is very good. We saw that on Sunday, when he was among the best," confirms Erik Breukink. "Without that first stage he would now be in the top five, but we have to forget that. Fortunately he did that himself. He is now in tenth place. Maybe we can work towards the top five? That would be nice."

Arensman has been in the center of INEOS Grenadiers' raid on the gravel stage 9 when the British squad sent a trio of their man in what would turn out to be a winning move. However Arensman's poor luck didn't stop there as he had to let the group go after a puncture.

"That's a shame for the INEOS Grenadiers team and also for Arensman, because you'd rather keep two men well up front. You could maybe play a game about that," adds Bobbie Traksel. "It was Arensman who dropped out on Sunday. That was a shame for the couple in general. They're a bit on the wrong side."

The stages that are planned for this week won't win anyone the Giro, however there is more than enough spots where one can decisively lose the race. "You have to get through those days," Breukink points out. "The day after a time trial, a huge mountain pass has to be climbed and that is a bit strange. Arensman does what he has to do. But let's not put too much pressure on him. He doesn't like that!"