Fabio Aru (UAE Team Emirates) has confirmed that he will participate in the 2018 Giro d’Italia. The rider made the announcement at the headquarters of his team’s sponsor Emirates Airlines.
“I really wanted to mull over this important decision, and I’ve had many constructive conversations with the team,” explained the Italian champion. “The decision to participate in the Giro d’Italia was made with conviction, after careful consideration of many variables.
“I’m happy to get back to the roads of the Giro; for an Italian athlete it is always a race that offers a special thrill. Furthermore, this year I will be participating with the Italian National Champion’s jersey, which is one more reason to pay maximum homage to the Corsa Rosa”.
The 27 year-old has twice finished on the podium of the Giro. In 2014, he placed third overall behind Nairo Quintana and Rigoberto Urán. The following year, Aru went one better, finishing second behind Alberto Contador. He went on to win the Vuelta a España later that year.
The Giro takes place from 4 – 27 May and starts with a 9.7-kilometre time-trial in Jerusalem followed by two road stages in Israel before the race transfer to Sicily.
Aru starts the Abu Dhabi Tour this week where he lines up alongside Rui Costa, Sven Erik Bystrom, Roberto Ferrari, Alexander Kristoff, Manuele Mori and Diego Ulissi.
