Newly rebranded Netcompany INEOS go all-in on GC with shared Giro leadership

Netcompany INEOS announced their Giro d'Italia squad on Wednesday. The British team, racing under a new name for the first time, will focus entirely on the general classification — and they have two cards to play. Thymen Arensman and Egan Bernal will lead the team's GC ambitions, while Filippo Ganna has his eyes firmly on the long time trial.

The Giro marks the team's first race as Netcompany INEOS, following the Danish company's investment in the British squad. That means the familiar orange and red of INEOS Grenadiers will not be seen in this Giro — the rebranded team takes to the road in grey.

Under their new identity, the team are counting on Bernal and Arensman as co-leaders. They will be backed by a versatile squad. Jack Haig brings experience to support the duo, while talented young Norwegian Embret Svestad-Bardseng will be tasked with helping his leaders in the mountains.

Magnus Sheffield and Filippo Ganna can lend a hand in positioning the leading pair, while also targeting the stage 10 time trial for themselves. Connor Swift serves as road captain, and will also be on hand to support Ben Turner in the sprint finales. The Briton claimed his first Grand Tour stage win at last year's Vuelta a España and now has the chance to build on that.

Sports director Geraint Thomas has plenty of confidence in his squad. "We are very motivated to get the best possible result from this Giro. With Arensman and Bernal we have two leaders who are in excellent form." The team has also set the time trial as a specific target. "That will be very important for the classification, so it has been a focus for us."

Arensman himself is looking forward to the race. He had already spoken to IDL Pro Cycling about taking another step forward, and his ambitions remain clear at the squad announcement. "The co-leadership with Egan means we are strong as a team, and we have a strong squad around us. What matters for me is staying consistent."

Co-leader and former Giro winner Bernal also arrives at the race with confidence, following his fifth place at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. "I'm happy to be here and starting strong again. I hope to be competitive and I'm very motivated to deliver on our classification ambitions."

Exactly how high the team is aiming in the final standings, however, remains to be seen.