La Gazzetta dello Sport reveals that Fabio Aru (Astana) will begin his 2017 season at the Tour of Oman on February 14 and not at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana as originally planned. 

Aru began his 2016 season at the Spanish year but this year the objective was the Tour de France in July while it will be the Giro in May in 2017. The advantage of the Tour of Oman, in addition to its mild temperatures, is also the traditional finish on top of the famous Green Mountain where Aru can test his climbing legs early in the season, according to Astana sports director Giuseppe Martinelli.

Aru is then likely to travel to the Abu Dhabi Tour while his first race in Europe is expected to be Tirreno-Adriatico in March.