Arensman not yet done with effects of Vuelta crash: "Seeing if my nerves and teeth still die off"

It could be described as a small miracle that Thymen Arensman stood on the starting podium of the Giro dell'Emilia last Saturday with a wide smile. The 23-year-old Dutchman from INEOS Grenadiers had taken a hard fall during the Vuelta a España a month earlier, but there was no trace of that in his interview with IDLProCycling.com. With newly restored teeth, he spoke to this website.

How are you feeling? Just a few weeks ago, you had that accident...

"Yes, it was not a pleasant crash, but the recovery went relatively well, and I'm happy to be back racing at all. I might not be in the best form, but I'm delighted to wear a race number and support the team. This way, I can finish the season on a positive note."

Faster than expected, isn't it? You look fine now...

"I have new teeth, which does make a difference. However, my teeth still bother me from time to time. I'll need to visit the dentist regularly to check if my nerves and teeth are still recovering."

So, you have teeth that are still there but still causing discomfort?

"Yes, that's right. My teeth have been rebuilt, but I still experience some discomfort. If they start to discolor, I might need new teeth, so we'll have to wait and see. But for now, it's okay. The team has also been monitoring my concussion, and I have no more complaints, so I can race again, contribute to the team, and finish on a positive note that way."

In addition to the physical part, has it been difficult mentally these past few weeks?

"The positive aspect is that I don't remember anything about the crash itself. But, of course, I had put in a lot of effort preparing for the Vuelta and was given a great opportunity by the team to compete for the GC. I had invested so much in it, and then to be sidelined by such a brutal crash... The first week was tough because with a concussion, you really can't do much. However, I gradually noticed improvement, and we could start planning again. Being able to train a bit recently and participating here is a welcome improvement."

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How do you reflect on your first year at INEOS Grenadiers?

"I think it was quite positive. At the start of the year, it was a significant transition to one of the biggest teams. With so many stars on the team, it took me a while to find my place, but I quickly gained the confidence to participate in the Giro d'Italia. There, I supported G (Geraint Thomas) and managed to finish sixth myself, so overall, it wasn't bad. I took a significant step and have already been working with the team to make plans for the upcoming season. My focus is already on 2024."

Many riders are leaving INEOS, and there's talk of Primoz Roglic potentially joining. What are your thoughts on that?

"I don't have any inside information on that, just what I've seen in the media and the rumors. I don't have any insights."

Can you provide a sneak peek of your plans for next year?

"My plans aren't necessarily about a race program but more about how I can improve by a few percentage points, and we have a good plan for that during the winter."