MONTECAMPIONE, Italy — Fabio Aru of Italy claimed a solo victory on the tough uphill finish to Montecampione in the 15th stage of the Giro d'Italia Saturday for his first Grand Tour victory. Aru made his move with 2.5 kilometers (1.55 miles) remaining and finished 21 seconds ahead of Fabio Duarte. Nairo Quintana edged out Pierre Rolland for third place, 22 seconds behind. The 23-year-old Aru also cut into Rigoberto Uran's overall lead and is now fourth — 2 minutes, 24 seconds behind the Colombian. Uran extended his advantage over his closest challengers and is 1:03 ahead of Cadel Evans and 1:50 ahead of Rafal Majka. The previous two times a Giro stage has finished up Montecampione, the winner has gone on to claim the race. It was another stage dedicated to the late Marco Pantani, who had a memorable victory up to Montecampione on his way to winning the 1998 Giro. Pantani also went on to win the Tour de France that year. He was found dead in a hotel room on Valentine's Day in 2004, and a coroner ruled he died from cocaine poisoning. The stage was mainly flat along the 225-kilometer (140-mile) route from Valdengo before the final long and steep climb. The break of the day was formed of 12 riders and it had 10 minutes with 78 kilometers (48.5 miles) remaining, before the peloton — driven by Nero Sottoli — started to reel them in. The escapees had an advantage of 2:24 at the base of the climb, where Australian Adam Hansen was the first to make a move. He was joined first by Andre Cardoso and then Fabio Felline and Rodolfo Torres, as Julian Arredondo attacked from the peloton. Aru then attacked again, chased by Duarte, Quintana and Rolland as Uran dropped off, after deciding he couldn't keep up with the pace. Monday sees the third and final rest day of this year's Giro before arguably its toughest stage, with the iconic climbs up the Stelvio and Gabbia — weather permitting. — AP
