Arensman keeps Giro podium dream alive after brutal stage 14: ‘I did my absolute best’

The Dutchman battled his way to sixth on the stage, 1:23 behind stage winner Jonas Vingegaard. But compared to the best of the rest, Arensman was 34 seconds behind runner-up Felix Gall (Decathlon CMA CGM)

"It was certainly a tough day, but that was the same for everyone. It was very hot and Visma | Lease a Bike set a good pace on all the climbs, so it was a tough day," Arensman told Eurosport. "I did my absolute best."

"The team helped me well all day by cooling me down. So I can be satisfied. I did my absolute best, and I can't do more than that,” added Arensman. 

In the aftermath of the stage, Arensman slipped from third to fourth, but the Dutchman remained firmly in the mix for the podium, just 37 seconds behind Afonso Eulálio (Bahrain-Victorious) in second and 13 seconds behind Gall in third. 

In previous Grand Tours, Arensman has earned a reputation for being one of the strongest riders in the final week of a three-week race. 

With plenty more mountain stages on the horizon, Arensman will be hoping to make his mark and better his previous best Grand Tour finish of fifth in the 2022 Vuelta a España.

It was also intriguing to hear what the Dutchman had to say after such an important stage, because there has been plenty made about Arensman and the number of interactions at the race. 

According to Eurosport France, RCS had become frustrated with the lack of media interviews conducted by Arensman throughout the Giro so far.

Speaking to Daniel Benson, Netcompany-Ineos’ Director of Racing, Geraint Thomas explained the team’s approach and why Arensman’s media duties have been kept to a minimum.

“It seems to be working for him. Everyone is different. For me, I didn’t mind chatting a bit. You end up getting into a bit of a zone when you’re racing. Less is more sometimes,” Thomas told Benson.