Fabio Aru went into today's Vuelta a Espana time trial hoping to limit his losses. The Italian did really well by finishing 21st and now his Astana team will try to set him up for attacks in the mountains.

"The first half was challenging, the second half was technical," Paolo Tiralongo said after today's Vuelta a Espana time trial. "From now on we go looking for ways in the mountains to gain time for Aru."

Astana Pro Team riders followed the course in training on Monday's rest day, and again Tuesday before the first start. Dangerous curves were noted and appropriate equipment choices made for the important stage.

Fabio Aru rode a strong stage, entirely within his limits, and found himself just more than two minutes behind stage winner Tony Martin of Germany but more importantly Aru defended well on a day less suited to his abilities and experience.

Wednesday's stage again finishes uphill. With the race lead so often changing hands this year's overall competition for General Classification has just begun to heat up.