"If your teammates are eating Nutella, a GC rider can't" – Arensman jokes about the price of fighting for a Giro podium

Thymen Arensman wrapped up the 2026 Giro d’Italia with the best Grand Tour result of his career. The Dutch rider finished fourth overall after three weeks of steady consistency, improving on the two sixth places he had previously achieved at the Italian race.

The Netcompany INEOS rider delivered a rock-solid performance from start to finish and, after the finale in Rome, reflected on an edition that reaffirmed his rise among the peloton’s best climbers, fourth in the general classification.

In the mixed zone in the Italian capital, Arensman was satisfied despite losing third place in the overall across the final two days. Among the highlights, he picked out the stage 10 time trial 1-2 alongside teammate Filippo Ganna, an effort he described as a source of pride for the team.

Assessing his performance, the Dutchman stressed the consistency he showed across the three weeks of racing. "I’m very happy to have kept such a high level throughout the Giro. I barely had bad days and when it mattered to be at the front, I was there. Every day I gave everything I had," he said.

Arensman admitted that in other Grand Tours it was common to see him concede time in the first week before coming on strong in the third. This time, however, it played out very differently.

After navigating the first two weeks without issues, he reached the decisive phase in third overall, which he sees as clear proof of his evolution as a rider.

"I’m very proud of the progress I’ve made," he stated.

Although he finished off the podium, Arensman made it clear he is not disappointed with the final outcome. In the last mountain stages, Jai Hindley was slightly stronger and ultimately snatched third place. Far from dwelling on it, the Dutchman preferred to focus on the positives.

"Step by step everything is clicking better and being able to show it in a race like this is fantastic. I’m very satisfied," he noted.

Throughout the race he projected a calm demeanour, which he also maintained away from the cameras. As he explained, fighting for the general classification forces you to stay focused every day.

"It’s 21 days at the highest level. Of course there are days when you feel better than others, but I didn’t really have particularly bad moments. When I needed to respond, my body did quite well and that allowed me to perform at a high level."

The 26-year-old also underlined what he has learned in recent years about managing a Grand Tour. Areas like nutrition and other preparation details have helped him take a step forward.

"I’ve learned a lot and tried to apply everything. Even so, keeping this level for three weeks is still very hard," he acknowledged.

After spending much of the Giro in podium positions, Arensman believes that goal is getting closer.

"I was among the top three for a long time. I always try to give my best and there are many things you can’t control. If one day a few circumstances fall a bit better, then it can happen."

His fourth place in Rome is also the fourth top 10 of his Grand Tour career, further proof of the consistency he is building in these races. That said, the sacrifices needed to fight for the general classification come at a cost. With a laugh, Arensman offered a vivid example: "If your teammates are eating Nutella, a GC rider can’t. But next week I’ll make up for lost time!" he joked.