Fabio Aru (Astana) pulled on the Tour de France leader's jersey for the first time in his career after distancing Chris Froome (Team Sky) during stage 12 on the steep airstrip finish at Peyragudes, but he refused to be overwhelmed by emotions despite turning the race upside down and exposing Froome's sudden faltering.
Aru won the Vuelta a Espana in 2015 and has worn the pink jersey at the Giro d'Italia, but the Tour de France is a whole lot bigger. Yet he has matured greatly in recent months after his knee injury and the tragic death of teammate Michele Scarponi. He is older and wiser. He is clearly more confident and assured about his ability and what he can achieve in this year's Tour de France.
"I looked back just after crossing the finish line and I saw on the big screen that Chris was further back. Doing a quick calculation, I realised I was in the yellow jersey, and then they told me and hauled me into the podium area. It was a fantastic feeling to know I'd taken yellow from Froome," Aru explained post-stage, with a clean yellow jersey over the top of his sky blue Astana jersey.
"I think every athlete always believes they can do well, at least I do. I always believe I can do well on finishes like today and so to achieve things like this is hugely satisfying. I thought I could win the stage as well, but I lacked bit of strength in the finale after such a hard day. But I'm happy with result after such a difficult stage with the rain and the high speed. There was also some fear in the peloton after the crashes on Sunday. Fortunately another day has passed and were a little closer to Paris."
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Aru spent the final kilometres of the stage tucked tight on Froome's wheel. He was happy to let Team Sky chase the break during the stage and seemed at ease as they used their strength in depth to tighten the screws on the group of overall contenders on the Porte des Balès and the Peyresourde.
Both Aru and Froome went off the road in the descent before the climb to the finish. There was no sign of aggression between them like last Sunday, however, and they quickly caught back up to the group of riders that had again sportingly eased up for them.
Aru only made his attack with 350 metres to go when he could see the finish banner at the summit of the steep runway.
Celebrate first, defend tomorrow
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