Exactly one year ago Fabio Duarte finished second behind Vincenzo Nibali in he big Giro d'Italia stage to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Today he was again beaten by an Astana rider in one of the key stages of the Italian grand tour when he was runner-up behind Fabio Aru on the Montecampione climb.

A few hours after the impressive third Jarlison Pantano took in Oropa, another Team Colombia rider showed off in the Giro d’Italia high mountains. Fabio Duarte clinched a resounding second place in the 15th stage, in the wake of superb Italian Fabio Aru (Astana) who soloed all the way to the Plan di Montecampione uphill finish, with Nairo Quintana (Movistar) rounding out the podium.

The Giro d’Italia highlights Italian youngsters and Colombian climbers, even though Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma) leadership again wavered: the pink jersey lost ground to Fabio Aru and Nairo Quintana, but extended his advantage over Cadel Evans and the other main contenders.

It was a long flat run towards the last 20km ascent up to 1665 metres in Plan di Montecampione, with an early 12-man breakaway including Team Colombia’s Rodolfo Torres. The escapees drew their advantage to over 7 minutes but they gave up on the lower slopes to Montecampione, with Torres being one of the latest to surrender after responding with his pace to every move from the fellow breakaway riders.

As part of the big guns’ bunch, Escarabajos’ leader Fabio Duarte unleashed his energy in the final 4 km in pursuing Fabio Aru (Astana), Pierre Rolland (Europcar) and countrymen Rigoberto Uran and Nairo Quintana (Movistar), who had outdistanced the other CG contenders.

Behind an outstanding Fabio Aru, Team Colombia’s rider prevailed in the last km over Quintana and Rolland.

“I would have liked the victory, for sure as I felt really strong today," Duarte says. "I wanted this stage to dedicate it to my wife and daughter, for my Team – as this was our “home” stage – and for everyone who cares about me. Anyway, Aru was outstanding today, he accomplished a superb performance indeed. However, I can pocket a great result that makes me confident for the upcoming week."

In view of the next stage (Ponte di Legno – Val Martello 139 Km) featuring Passo Gavia and Passo Stelvio (Cima Coppi) ascents, Tuesday 27 May, Giro d’Italia enjoys its third rest day to get ready for the last week’s fireworks.