There will be no Tirreno-Adriatico for Fabio Aru. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Italian climber has decided to make his debut at Paris-Nice from March 7-14, meaning that Astana will split their captains as Vincenzo Nibali will lead the team in Italy.

In that way, the team hopes to give Aru more international experience and will allow him to work together with the riders that is set to support him at the Giro d'Italia. In general, Astana will have two different groups of riders: one around Aru and one around Nibali.

Today the course for the French race was announced. With a big summit finish and a mountain time trial, it suits Aru really well.