Fabio Aru places 10th in Tour of Alps queen stage

The Sardinian climber of UAE Team Emirates finished 10th in the second stage of the Tour of Alps, the race’s toughest day with the finish at Alpe di Pampeago.

“I’m still lacking some race rhythm, but I’m happy with where I’m at because there is still one month and 10 days from here to the end of the Giro d’Italia,” said Aru.

“This race is going to help me get the right rhythm into my legs. I’m lacking that now after so many days at altitude training.

With the team, we are also putting all the pieces in place ahead of the Giro. My rivals are a hair ahead of me in this Tour of the Alps, but there are still three days to add that that extra bit of specific work in my legs.”

The stage win went to Miguel Angel López (Astana) ahead of Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ). Ivan Ramiro Sosa (Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec) took third place and gained the overall lead.

The third stage tomorrow covers 138.3 kilometres from Ora to Merano. The riders must face the Passo della Mendola at 40 kilometres to race.

Stage results:

1 Miguel Angel Lopez (Col) Astana Pro Team   3h55’30′”

2 Thibaut Pinot (Fra) Groupama – FDJ   ”

3 Ivan Sosa (Col) Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec   ”

10 Fabio Aru (Ita) UAE Team Emirates   34″

Overall classification after two stages

1 Ivan Sosa (Col) Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec   7h22’09”

2 Thibaut Pinot (Fra) Groupama – FDJ   6″

3 Miguel Angel Lopez (Col) Astana Pro Team   ”

9 Fabio Aru (Ita) UAE Team Emirates   50″