‘AGGRESSIVE’ INEOS AIMS TO ‘PUT PRESSURE’ ON POGACAR WITH LEADER THOMAS, ‘CRUCIAL ROLE’ FOR ARENSMAN IN GIRO SELECTION

INEOS Grenadiers on Thursday became the first team to announce their eight-man selection for the Giro d'Italia. As expected, the British multimillion-dollar squad is heading to the start in Turin with Geraint Thomas as their leader. However, there is also an important role for the shadow leader, Thymen Arensman.

Thomas finished second at last year's Giro after losing the pink jersey to Primoz Roglic in the time trial on the penultimate day. The Welshman now returns and looks ahead in a press release. "My preparation has gone well, and I'm in a great place heading into the start. I want to leave in the best possible shape. We have a strong team, with the same core as last year. We spent a lot of time together at the training camp and know what we need to do. We're all super motivated to deliver."

After the battle with Roglic, it will once again not be easy for Thomas to win the Giro. "Of course, Tadej Pogacar is the favorite with a strong team around him. That will change the dynamics of the race. However, it also means that all eyes will be on him for three weeks of tough racing. Our plan is to be aggressive and seize every opportunity to increase the pressure and gain time."

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Arensman plays 'crucial role', Foss newcomer

Arensman is heading to the Giro for the third year in a row, following his sixth-place finish last year. "He returns to play a crucial role in the mountains for Thomas," reports INEOS Grenadiers about his ambitions. With that, the team is fully backing the Thomas card, says sports director Steve Cummings as well. "With this diverse team, we can race the way we like. We know where to apply pressure and where the opportunities lie. With Geraint, we have one of the most experienced riders in the peloton. He is a proven winner, a brilliant rider, and a great leader. Alongside him, Thymen and Tobias Foss, we have three riders who have already finished in the top ten of a Grand Tour, so we have confidence in the strength and experience of the team.

Foss is the newcomer to the team, replacing Laurens De Plus. The Norwegian already won a stage in the Tour of the Alps and is thus in good form. On the flat, Thomas can count on Filippo Ganna, Magnus Sheffield, Jhonatan Narváez, and Connor Swift as well as Ben Swift. Additionally, Ganna and Sheffield are serious contenders for the two time trials, and Narváez is always a dangerous customer when it comes to a punch.

Selection INEOS Grenadiers - Giro d'Italia 2024

Geraint Thomas

Thymen Arensman

Tobias Foss

Filippo Ganna

Ben Swift

Connor Swift

Jhonatan Narváez

Magnus Sheffield

2024-04-25T10:53:59Z dg43tfdfdgfd