Late start doesn't stop Arensman from finishing in Tour de France top ten

Thymen Arensman experienced a highly unusual and frustrating start to the Tour de France's individual time trial, arriving late to the starting ramp and losing valuable time. The incident, which saw him miss his scheduled start, resulted in a delay of about 15 seconds before he could even begin the 26.1-kilometer race against the clock.

“

Arensman was just sitting in the tent while they were already counting down. Someone from ASO ran towards him, and a team member stood in front of him with the bike.

The Dutch rider for Netcompany Ineos was reportedly still in the preparation area when his start time approached. A member of the race organization had to rush to fetch him, and he was seen gesturing angrily as he hastily got on his bike and stopped at the start line, as required by the rules, before setting off.

"Arensman was just sitting in the tent while they were already counting down. Someone from ASO ran towards him, and a team member stood in front of him with the bike," commented Dutch television commentator Sebastiaan Timmerman, highlighting the chaotic nature of the start. He attributed the mishap to a significant error by the Netcompany Ineos team.

“

It's my responsibility. I tried to stay calm and pedal as hard as I could. Of course, it's very unpleasant.

Despite the significant setback and the initial anger, Arensman took responsibility for the mistake. "It's my responsibility. I tried to stay calm and pedal as hard as I could. Of course, it's very unpleasant," he stated after the stage. He managed to overcome the lost time and the emotional impact, ultimately securing seventh place, one minute and 47 seconds behind the winner, Remco Evenepoel. Arensman added that he and his team must learn from this experience.

“

Anger wouldn't have brought me anything. I tried to turn it into energy, but I'm only human, especially in the third week of the race. We (the team) have to learn something from this.