Italian Fabio Aru of Astana Pro Team won the 15th stage oftheprestigious Girod’Italiabicycle race on May 25.
Aru, who is now fourth overall and a serious contender, attacked in the last part of the final climb of a 225-kilometre trek from Valdengo and beat Fabio Andres Duarte by 21 seconds. Fellow Colombian and pre-race favourite Nairo Quintana finished third, one second further back. The Italianleft a whole group of bikers behindwhen he crossed the finish line.
“I’m very happy,” a tearful Aru said after the finish. “It’s thanks to my teammates who have been amazing, not only today but all race. This win is for them. It’s really pleasing, but I still have a lot to learn and to grow. I still can’t believe it.”
The 23-year-old Aru also cut into Rigoberto Urán’s overall lead and is now fourth at two minutes and 24 seconds behind the Colombian.
“Aru was too strong,” Urán said. “I decided to let him go. All is well – there is a week to the finish and I have the pink jersey.”
