Fabio Aru took his second stage win in the Vuelta a Espana when he managed to beat Chris Froome in a two-rider sprint at the top of the Monte Castrove. The Italian had identified the steepest part during the first passage and that's where he made the difference.

A little more than a week after taking his first Vuelta a Espana stage victory, Fabio Aru become one of the most successful riders in the 2014 Grand Tours when he added another victory in a summit finish to the one he took earlier in the race and the one he took in the Giro d’Italia. The Italian again made use of a combination of great climbing legs and hesitation among the favourites to launched a move from afar and again he managed to hold on to take the win.

"I tried my luck in the steepest part of the climb, as my DS Martino told me, so did the second team car," he said. "I also had identified the steepest part one lap before. Froome came across. He rode hard. That helped me stay away and win.

"I’m full of emotions. It’s incredible to win two stages with such an exceptional participation but I have to remain focused till the very end. Later this season I’ll also ride the Tour of Lombardy and I try to make an impact on every race I take part in.

"This is the first time I’m riding two Grand Tours the same year. I have prepared very well for the Vuelta. I was determined to do well and I’m happy with it goes. It’s been fantastic to win for a second time. 

"I live it day by day. It’s already an honor to compete with such top champions. On Saturday I’ll try to remain at the head of the race again."

Earlier on the climb, his teammate Paolo Tiralongo had prepared the attack by launching his own move.

“The climb itself was not very hard, but we improvised our tactics at the bottom to bring Fabio to the front and break some legs," the veteran said.

Aru is still fifth in the overall standings