Aru: next stop Le Tour?

Fabio Aru has signalled that his next target may be the Tour de France after sealing his maiden Grand Tour victory at this year's Vuelta a España.

Fabio Aru celebrates on the podium after winning the 2015 Vuelta a España. Source: Getty Images

Aru told journalists he would like to ride the 2016 Tour de France, but admitted that he would need to discuss his race program with the Astana team before anything is confirmed.

A potential roadblock could be countryman and 2014 Tour de France winner Vincenzo Nibali, although Aru played down any potential friction.

"Vincenzo is a great rider, he’s won grand tours, so in our team it’s not a question of being a leader or not being a leader," Aru said.

"Vincenzo was in the team here, but he had to leave in the second stage. But if he had been in the race, we’d both have raced to get a top result because we’re both professionals."

Nibali was ejected from this year's Vuelta a España after flagrantly holding onto a team car while chasing the main peloton.

Aru was effusive in praising his Astana teammates and support crew.

“Yesterday’s stage was the most emotional one for me because we did an amazing job as a team and we showed that we were really united,” Aru said.

“Today I realised a dream, I’m very emotional, very proud. I have to thank my teammates, they always believed in me and I dedicate this win to them.”

As customary for Grand Tour winners, Astana bike sponsor Specialized provided Aru with a custom-painted bike for the procession into Madrid - in this case red and gold. Aru crossed the line at the back of the peloton, far away from any danger in the sprint finish. His final winning margin over second-placed Joaquim Rodriguez was 57 seconds.