Back in the race: Arensman's strong time trial performance shakes up Giro general classification

At INEOS Grenadiers, belief in their chances never waned, as team director Zak Dempster told IDLProCycling.com. Even so, Arensman spoke to Eurosport with a broad smile after confirming his form in the forty-kilometer Giro time trial. "What went well? The time, I guess. I didn't feel great, but that's always how it is in such a tough time trial. Apparently, I was going really fast, but it didn't feel like it."

"I didn't expect this result, but it's a nice boost for the rest of the Giro," said Arensman. He was one of four men from INEOS Grenadiers in the top ten, along with Filippo Ganna (second), Magnus Sheffield (third), and of course team leader Thomas, who placed tenth in the Italian race against the clock.

"We have Zak Dempster, but really the entire team, to thank for this. They did all the recon and it's nice to see that it partially paid off," Arensman added. "I must give the team a huge compliment for that."

That Pogacar ultimately shattered the competition was a sore point for INEOS. "We're not the first team to be slaughtered by Pogacar, but we certainly won't be the last. I think our guys did a really good time trial, especially Filippo, Thymen, and Magnus. G fell a bit short on that last climb, we have to be honest about that. However, Rome is still far away," team director Dempster said afterwards.

As mentioned, Thomas did not have a great day, but the team continues to believe. "We're going to throw ourselves into it, just as we have every day," Dempster concluded.