Fabio Aru (Astana)
Fabio Aru (Astana)
Rising Italian star Fabio Aru had showed glimpses of his talent in 2013 in support of compatriot and team leader Vincenzo Nibali but, freed from the shackles, the 24-year-old blossomed this year.
Best young rider at last year’s Giro del Trentino and fifth on the Tre Cime de Lavaredo as Nibali sealed 2013 Giro d’Italia success, Aru seized his chance to shine in his own right this season.
Initially picked to support Michele Scarponi at the Giro, Aru left it until the second half of the race to impress – but impress he certainly did.
A stage victory on the Plan de Montecampione, followed by great form in the mountain time trial, earned him third place overall and he backed up that performance with another fine showing at the Vuelta a Espana.
Two more stage wins – also being the only man capable of matching Chris Froome’s acceleration on stage 18 – saw him place fifth overall and be a regular feature alongside the likes of Froome, Alberto Contador and Joaquim Rodriguez.
A brilliant climber, Aru is still just 24 and, while Nibali remains the team’s bona fide leader, the young Italian will certainly be looking for more Grand Tour podiums in 2015.
Fabio Aru in 2014
Stage wins: three
Grand Tour stage wins: Giro x1, Vuelta x2
Champagne moment: Leaving an elite leading group trailing in his wake as he blasted to his first Grand Tour stage win on the Plan de Montecampione.