For Fabio Aru, the 2016 began last week at the Volta a La Comunitat Valenciana. The Sardinian got the year off to a good start in the Spanish race where he showed good condition by taking fourth in the queen stage and sixth place in the overall standings. 

"I'm happy with how I started the season and surprised by the performance," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. I have other goals. I will reach the top form later but in the meantime  the condition is good. The rest of the team is fine: just look at Luis Leon Sanchez and Diego Rosa."

The winner of the Vuelta 2015 has big goals as he will make his debut in the Tour de France and will participate in the Olympic Games in Rio. Aru recently did a recon of the course in Rio.

"I was in Rio with Nibali and coach Cassani to check the course which is very challenging and like a very tough stage in a grand tour. This plays to our favor: the national team has riderswith suitable characteristics," he said.

"It is not for me to decide who will be the captain. The important thing is to win with the national team."