'It's tough riding GC and trying to stay switched on' - Thymen Arensman opens up about pressure and performance ahead of the final week at the Giro d'Italia

Thymen Arensman finds himself in a strong position heading into the final week of the Giro d’Italia, sitting fourth overall on the general classification. Despite his solid performance over the first two weeks, the young Netcompany-Ineos leader acknowledges the mounting physical and mental toll of Grand Tour racing. The pressure of leading his team and maintaining focus through demanding stages is proving challenging, yet he remains optimistic, crediting his teammates for their support in keeping him motivated and as fresh as possible. Arensman’s progress in the race has been marked by consistent climbing performances and a pivotal time-trial effort. After starting the race in sixth place, he moved up to third following a strong showing in the stage 10 time trial, where he finished second behind teammate Filippo Ganna. However, the demanding ascent to Pila on stage 14 saw him lose some time to rivals, dropping to fourth overall. Despite this, he expressed satisfaction with his efforts, highlighting the difficulties posed by hot weather conditions and the importance of staying in contention for a podium finish. Looking ahead, the final week promises some of the most challenging terrain, including back-to-back mountain stages at Alleghe and Piancavallo. Arensman has thoroughly prepared for these decisive climbs but remains cautious about making predictions, aware of how fluctuating form and fatigue can influence outcomes in the closing stages of a Grand Tour. His focus is on maintaining his routines and delivering his best performances, hoping for the “best legs” as the race reaches its climax. Support and guidance from experienced teammates have been crucial for Arensman’s development during this Giro. Former Grand Tour winner Egan Bernal has offered advice on managing the pressures of leadership, media duties, and physical demands. Bernal emphasises the importance of enjoying the moment and not overthinking the challenges ahead, encouraging Arensman to appreciate his current standing in such a tough race. Arensman, in turn, values Bernal’s mentorship, which has helped him navigate the complexities of competing at the highest level.