Fabio Aru could potentially have been one of the big losers in today's Giro d'Italia time trial but the young Italian put in a great ride to finish 16th and move into 7th on GC. The Italian is pleased with his performance and ready to strike in the mountains.

With Michele Scarponi out of the GC battle, Fabio Aru is the leader of the Astana team at the Giro d'Italia and as one of the best Italians on GC, expectations for the young Italian are huge. Not known as a great time trialist, he faced a tough challenge in today's Barolo TT and he could potentially have lost a lot of time.

However, Aru put in a great performance to finish 16th and still sits comfortable inside the top 10 on GC, now in 7th. Being third fastest up the first climb, he showed that his climbing legs are great and that he is ready for the upcoming mountain stages.

Aru was naturally pleased with his performance.

“I’m really satisfied with the result," he said. "My legs are good after doing half the Giro so far but there are a lot of difficult days ahead. Ask me again how I feel next Monday.

“It rained just before I started, and the road was wet and slippery. I decided not to risk anything and was very careful, especially on the descents.

"I still have much to learn, also in the time trials. I have great teachers at my side and I learn from them every day."