LONDON: UAE Team Emirates made a big statement of intent with the signing of Fabio Aru yesterday.
The former Vuelta champion has signed a three-year deal with the UAE outfit in a move that signals the team’s intent to challenge in all three of the major Tours.
Aru, who is regarded as one of the best climbers in the world, is the current Italian National Road champion and won his first Grand Tour at the Vuelta two years ago. Not only that but he registered his best finish in a Tour de France this year, finishing fifth having worn the famous yellow jersey for two stages.
The Italian joins UAE Team Emirates after six years with Astana Pro Team and he said he was looking forward to progressing his career with his new teammates.
“I’m honored that the UAE Team Emirates management and their sponsors want to unite our cycling endeavors; I thank them for the faith they’ve placed in me and I hope to live up to their expectations.
“I would also like to thank everyone who has been with me up to now in my career, they’ve all been important to my growth.”
Team boss Carlo Saronni claimed the arrival of Aru showed the ambitions of the outfit and was sure the Italian could take them to a different level.
“We are happy to welcome a champion like Fabio Aru. His skills perfectly match the ambitions of the team,” Saronni said.
Ex-Vuelta champ joins Team UAE
Ex-Vuelta champ joins Team UAE
Pakistan promise final flourish as they await T20 World Cup fate
PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka: Fast bowler Salman Mirza vowed on Friday that Pakistan will finish the Super Eights with a flourish against already-eliminated Sri Lanka, whether or not they still have hopes of reaching the semifinals.
Pakistan need England to beat New Zealand handsomely in Colombo on Friday and then post a big victory of their own against Sri Lanka on Saturday to sneak into the final four on net run rate.
A New Zealand win will end Pakistan’s hopes, rendering the Sri Lanka clash in Kandy meaningless in terms of the tournament.
“It’s a critical situation as reaching the semifinal is not in our control,” Mirza told reporters
“But if we reach the semifinal we have the capability to do better,” Mirza said.
Pakistan’s campaign started on a nervy note with a three-wicket win in a thrilling last-over finish against the Netherlands before overcoming the United States and Namibia.
In between they lost heavily to India in a highly anticipated clash in Colombo.
Pakistan’s first Super Eight match against New Zealand was washed out in Colombo before they lost to England and Harry Brook’s sparkling century in Kandy on Tuesday.
“We needed to win the match against England and that defeat has given us this position,” said Mirza.
After Brook was dismissed near the end of England’s run chase, Pakistan hit back with two wickets in the penultimate over.
Mirza bowled the final over with three runs to defend and two wickets to take for victory but Jofra Archer hit the first ball for four.
“I had the opportunity to become a hero in the final over, but I couldn’t grab that one,” said Mirza.
“Such opportunities do not come your way every day. Had I taken two wickets we would have won that match, but it was not to be.”
