For Arensman, who is aiming for a place in the general at the end of the three weeks of Giro, this poor performance from the first stage is difficult to swallow. He did not speak to the press after the arrival, and preferred to take refuge in his team bus. The staff spoke in place of the Dutchman, at the GCN microphone. “To put it bluntly, he wasn’t in the shape he wanted at the Tour de Romandie (which Arensman finished in 27th place overall, 5’14” behind the final winner Carlos Rodriguez, editor’s note)”, declared the sporting director of Ineos Grenadiers, Zak Dempster. The team continues to support its colt, he added : “We are talking about a 24 year old young man who has never had a bad third week on a grand tour. I think what’s important with him now is that the team supports him. We believe in him and we will surround him to make sure he stays in the race […] We have no doubt about Thymen’s capabilities”.
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Geraint Thomas also encouraged his young co-leader, recalling that other men in the general lost time on this first stage, like Romain Bardet, who also succumbed to the tempo imposed by the UAE Team Emirates in Colle Maddelena. “It wasn’t just Thymen […] People react differently, and when we enter the last week it will be so different with 15 days of racing in our legs. I am convinced that he will be up to the task”, reacted the Welshman.
On the other hand, in the Arensman clan, it was clearly anger that prevailed over hope. After the finish, the young runner’s father was quick to post a message on X attacking the Ineos Grenadiers team. “The best thing about starting a grand tour is that no coach can ruin a rider’s form for the next three weeks. Hopefully it’s not too messed up already.”, wrote Martijn Arensman on the social network. A message deleted a few moments later.
