INEOS rider swaps the road for Cyclocross - Former double Tour de France stage winner heads for the mud and his cycling roots

Cyclocross
Thymen Arensman at the 2026 Giro d'Italia
Thymen Arensman swapped the WorldTour roads for Dutch cyclocross courses for a day. The Netcompany INEOS rider took part in a local event, racing alongside members of JVR De Batauwers, the club where he first started cycling and which remains part of his roots in the sport.
Away from the major stages of the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, the Dutchman enjoyed a different kind of day, reconnecting with a discipline deeply embedded in his country’s cycling culture.
His appearance drew attention because he is now firmly established among the international elite, yet he has maintained his ties to the community where he began building his sporting career.
Arensman, one of the leading climbers of his generation, traded mountain passes for mud, obstacles and tight turns for a few hours. It was a different way to enjoy the bike during the road season’s off-season.

Back in the mud before returning to road racing

The Dutchman’s appearance at this local event held special significance because of his connection to JVR De Batauwers. The club played an important role in his development as a cyclist, and racing there again brought him back to a very different chapter of his life.
Now used to sharing the peloton with the world’s best riders, Arensman enjoyed a more intimate race, free from the pressure and demands of major international events.
His career has come a long way since those early years. The Netcompany INEOS rider has established himself as a Grand Tour specialist and has won two Giro d’Italia stages, in 2023 and 2024.
His climbing performances and ability to contend for high overall positions have also made him one of the leading figures in Dutch cycling.
His return to cyclocross also reflects a strong tradition in the Netherlands, where many road riders stay connected to the discipline. For Arensman, the outing was a chance to reconnect with his roots and show that, even after reaching the top level of the sport, ties to grassroots cycling can remain strong.
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