2021 champion Egan Bernal and Thymen Arensman will lead Netcompany INEOS at this year’s Giro d’Italia, marking the team’s first Grand Tour under its new identity.
The Giro signals the racing debut of Netcompany INEOS following the arrival of the ambitious Danish technology company as co-title partner in late April. The team will take to the Grande Partenza in a fresh, new-look kit, marking Netcompany’s entry into the professional peloton and the beginning of a new chapter for the team.
Arensman and Bernal will co-lead the team’s GC ambitions and be supported by a versatile and highly-experienced squad. The Dutchman arrives in strong form following a podium finish at the Tour of the Alps, while Colombian national champion Bernal most recently secured a strong fifth place at Liège–Bastogne–Liège.
Geraint Thomas, Director of Racing, said: “It’s a new chapter for us racing as Netcompany INEOS, and the Giro feels like the right place to start it. We’ve got two good GC leaders in Thymen and Egan - who’ve both performed well at the Giro before.
“They’re going well and highly motivated to go there, race hard and get the most out of it. We’ve got a strong team around them who can be competitive on all types of terrain. We’ll be looking to go and race aggressively and get as much from it as possible. There’s a long individual TT which is a big focus for us and will also be important for the GC. The team has started really well so we’re looking at continuing that momentum.
“So much can happen in the Giro - the weather is often a factor and the terrain makes it hard as well - especially with a final week that’s always super-difficult. Things can go right or wrong pretty quickly, so it’s about being adaptable and ready for those moments.”
Thymen Arensman: “I’m coming into the Giro in a good place and really motivated for this race. Sharing leadership with Egan gives us strength, and we’ve got a team that can support us throughout. For me it’s about being consistent, staying focused each day and taking opportunities when they come.”
Egan Bernal: “The Giro is always a special race for me and I’m excited to be back racing it again, and with this group of riders. I feel calm, well prepared and motivated to be competitive again. We have a strong group and that gives us confidence, so we’ll race together and aim to be up there in the GC.”
Italian powerhouse Filippo Ganna, a seven-time Giro stage winner, will target stage 10’s individual time trial, while also playing a key support role and retaining the freedom to go target stages.
“The Giro for me is always incredibly special, and such a source of pride for every Italian. I’m really happy about the opportunity that the individual time trial in Tuscany presents to go for a win, and there’s also a stage finish close to my parents home which will be very special. We have clear ambitions for the GC and I’ll give everything to support that, while also taking my chances when they come,” Ganna said.
The line-up is completed by Jack Haig, Magnus Sheffield, Embret Svestad-Bårdseng, Connor Swift and Ben Turner - riders that blend proven Grand Tour pedigree with emerging talent and the versatility to shape the race at key moments.
Haig brings leadership and climbing depth, with the ability to support deep into decisive stages, while Sheffield adds engine and ambition across the board. Svestad-Bårdseng continues his progression as a highly promising all-rounder, with Swift fulfilling the role of road captain. Turner, who took his maiden Grand Tour stage win at La Vuelta last year, completes the group and is capable of delivering across multiple roles, while also able to pursue his own chances in the flat finishes.