Thymen Arensman is disappointed after losing the battle with Simon Yates for the victory in the first mountain stage of the Tour de France. The Dutchman felt on Monday that the win was within reach, but had to bow to the winner of the Giro d’Italia.
Arensman and Yates fought a beautiful duel on the final climb to Le Mont-Dore Puy de Sancy, which was won by the Brit from Visma-Lease a Bike. Arensman finished nine seconds behind.
“Simon was very smart in the corners,” Arensman responded after the stage to the NOS camera. “I almost fell myself in the corners, so I had to hold back. I also didn’t want to cramp up too much.”
“I was so close and had the legs, but it was this or going down in the corners,” Arensman continued. “And losing to a Giro winner isn’t bad. It’s a shame, but Simon was really strong.”
For the 25-year-old Arensman, it was the first time he competed for stage victory in the Tour. He is making his debut in the world’s biggest cycling race this year.
The Tour continues on Wednesday with a hilly stage around Toulouse. After that, the peloton heads into the Pyrenees. Arensman may get new chances for daily success there.