Aru and De La Cruz to the Fore on First Hill Test

After the victory of Fernando Gaviria on Stage 2, the climbing pair of Fabio Aru and David De La Cruz put in a strong showing on the first big mountain stage of the race from Sargentes de la Loro to Picón Blanco (150km).

With the final 9 kilometers at an average gradient of 8.9% it was a day for the specialists. Aru and De La Cruz stayed in the heavily reduced front group as they battled strong winds all the way to the line with Remco Evenepoel (Deceuninck Quick Step), claiming a solo win.

Aru and De La Cruz now both move into the top-10 in 8th and 9th place respectively.

Fabio Aru: “It was a very hot and windy stage which made it fast all day. I gave it everything on the last climb and I’m happy with my condition. On Saturday it will be another opportunity to show myself.”

Tomorrow’s stage takes riders from Gumiel de Izán to Roa de Duero (163k) the will be another
day for the sprinters.

Stage 3 results
1.Remco Evenepoel (Deceuninck Quick Step) 3:59:09
2. George Bennett (Jumbo Visma) +18”
3.Mikel Landa (Bahrain McClaren) +32″
8.Fabio Aru (UAE Team Emirates) +1’03”
12.David De La Cruz (UAE Team Emirates) +1’33”

GC after stage 3
1.Remco Evenepoel (Deceuninck Quick Step) 11:35:16
2.George Bennett (Jumbo-Visma) +18″
3.Mikel Landa (Bahrain-McClaren) +32″
8.Fabio Aru (UAE Team Emirates) +1’03”
9.David De La Cruz (UAE Team Emirates) +1’33”