Arensman and Bernal concede significant time to GC rivals on Blockhaus

Netcompany INEOS went to the Giro d'Italia with Thymen Arensman and Egan Bernal as their two co-leaders. But after the first mountain stage, the team must accept they cannot yet compete for the pink jersey. Arensman, who typically grows stronger as Grand Tours progress, sits ninth overall, but Bernal lost more time on Blockhaus on Friday.

The Colombian champion had already had a difficult opening week, so his first proper mountain test was keenly awaited. He was dropped early on the climb and ultimately finished 21st on the stage, just under three minutes behind winner Jonas Vingegaard. Arensman came home tenth, conceding 1 minute 44 seconds.

"I don't think I had my best day," Bernal admitted at the finish to CyclingPro.net. "At the start the pace was very high and I tried to manage my effort."

Bernal found himself riding alongside Enric Mas (Movistar) but was still able to overtake a number of riders before the summit. "I was alone very early and there was a lot of wind, so I think I lost a lot of time there because I couldn't benefit from any shelter," he reflected.

The Colombian, who had been showing good form at the Tour of the Alps and Liège-Bastogne-Liège earlier this spring, cannot yet put his finger on what is going wrong at this Giro. "Honestly, I feel normal. I even felt as good as on other days — so I think things will get better day by day."