La Gazzetta dello Sport has revealed that during the offseason, Fabio Aru has worked on his pedalling technique to save more energy on the long climbs of the Giro d’Italia.

"Analysing the data from mountain finishes and his training climbs from last year, we saw that Aru's cadence was 89/90 rpm," Aru's coach Maurizio Mazzoleni told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"This year it is up to 90/92, while his rivals have a cadence of between 86 and 93 rpm. To improve it we've worked a lot on improving his pedal stroke, both in the gym and on the road during climbing efforts. A better and more agile pedal action is more efficient, allowing a bigger saving of muscle glycogen."

So far it seems to be working, as Aru looks good after a week of racing and sits second overall, just 2 seconds behind leader Alberto Contador.