“We are now second and sixth in the GC. So we have two cards to play" - Thymen Arensman confident INEOS can make impact on Giro d'Italia queen stage

After an admittedly disappointing opening to the 2024 Giro d'Italia for Thymen Arensman, the INEOS Grenadiers man has been pretty faultless ever since. As such, the Dutchman has managed to claw his way back up to 6th overall heading into the queen stage of the race.

Having finished 3rd on the stage 14 individual time-trial, Arensman made big gains in the general classification and is now just 1:13 down on Antonio Tiberi in the battle for the White Jersey in the Best Young Riders classification. “It was indeed a good performance," reflects the former Vuelta a Espana stage winner in a pre-stage 15 interview with Eurosport. "But today is another day and it really is a very tough stage."

With five categorised climbs, including summits of the first category climbs Passo del Mortirolo, Passo di Foscagno and Mottolino in the final 70km. If INEOS Grenadiers hold hopes of overthrowing Tadej Pogacar in the race for the Maglia Rosa, it's likely today will be the day for a very important move. Whilst he doesn't give away any plans in particular, Arensman is hopeful the team can use their strength in depth to their advantage.

“We are now second (with Geraint Thomas, ed.) and sixth in the general classification. So we have two cards to play with. We can always try, but we'll see how it goes," he explains. “Join the break? If I tell you now, it will no longer be a surprise. We're keeping our cards close to our chest. If an opportunity arises, we will take advantage of it.”

Having previously finished second on a Giro d'Italia stage at the Mortirolo, Arensman also has fond memories of the area. Although this time the infamous climb isn't the stage finale, the Dutchman is hopeful of using those past successes to fire him to another good result this Sunday afternoon. “I have good memories of the Mortirolo. In any case, it is a nice area to race,” he concludes.