Fabio Aru expects to return to top shape in 2020
Nov 26 2019 05:51 am CET
Photo of Fabio Aru by UAE Team Emirates
Fabio Aru (UAE Team Emirates) has had a complicated period but he thinks he can return to his winning ways in 2020.
The 2015 season was outstanding for the Italian as he won the Vuelta a España and finished in the second overall place of the Giro d'Italia. But since then -with some exceptions like a stage win in the Tour de France- he hasn't been the same and the explanation for that was discovered earlier in the year.
Aru had to undergo surgery in the iliac artery of the left leg because he was suffering from a constriction that didn't let him give the maximum power at racing. Since then, he has been battling to return at a good level, and he is convinced that he can do just that.
"I lost two years, not because of myself, but I am convinced that I can return to my levels, to fight for important goals, to make the difference in the climbs and then silence the critics," said Aru to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I had surgery at the beginning of April, then without any specific preparation, I finished 14th in the Tour de France. Facts, not opinions."
The rider is taking it easy but plans to start heavy training in January and give everything in 2020. "I still don't know the program for next year," Aru explained. "I have many objectives, all of them very stimulating.
"Apart from the grand tours, there are the Olympics and with a course suited to my characteristics. In Rio (2006) I think I did well (he finished in the sixth position). And I will do everything to make the selection."
SUBSCRIBE TO RSS FEEDS