Arensman looks for more Grand Tour success at the Giro: 'What I did for the Tour worked'

Thymen Arensman makes up part of a strong Netcompany Ineos team that includes 2021 winner Egan Bernal. Both riders raced the recent Tour of the Alps, finishing second and third respectively, giving the Dutchman a positive feeling of his shape ahead of the race. 

"I'm in a good place. I feel calm and in control, which is very positive. Above all, I'm really looking forward to it,” Arensman told In de Leiderstrui.

"I've taken good care of myself and had a solid build-up, not too much, not too little. I can't do more than that. I try to do the right things, and that brings peace of mind,” added Arensman.

The last Grand Tour that Arensman rode saw the Dutchman win two stages of the Tour de France in both the Pyrenees and the Alps, as well as finishing 12th overall. With Arensman expected to target the GC alongside Bernal, he was asked if his mindset had changed following such a successful three weeks in France. 

“Not that much has changed for me personally. Of course it was wonderful, but in the weeks afterwards I noticed more than anything what impact it had on the people around me,” explained Arensman. 

"For me personally, nothing has really changed, I keep taking care of myself to get the most out of my body. Though it is of course brilliant to have two Tour de France stages on my palmarès," said Arensman. "What I did for the Tour worked. And you try to implement that a little more."

Arensman has demonstrated his ability to build into Grand Tours better than most, with a high level of durability that becomes most crucial in the depths of the third and final week. 

Before the final week arrives, there are plenty of important stages to navigate before the high mountains, and a 42km individual time trial, where the Dutchman is expected to be one of the GC contenders most suited to the course. 

"It is a classic Giro parcours, so the structure isn't completely different. Above all you try to arrive at the start fresh, and I think I am,” said Arensman. “The coach has looked at that carefully, so we will see. I really like this course, with a time trial and a tough third week."