"Finishing third leaves a bit of a bitter taste" - Orluis Aular edges closer to first Grand Tour stage win at the 2025 Giro d'Italia

Just like in the opening stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia, Venezuelan rider Orluis Aular shone again in the final sprint, crossing the line in third place. Only Mads Pedersen — who took his second win in three days — and Corbin Strong proved stronger than him from a reduced bunch finale on stage 3 of the Italian Grand Tour.

After the finish, the 28-year-old Movistar Team sprinter shared his thoughts on the day: “Honestly, the last climb was ridden at a pretty hard pace. I felt really good. In the end, I got slightly caught out because a few riders split off just in front of me. But fortunately, I managed to recover without any issues."

"I just want to thank the team — they supported me a lot, especially in the final part of the stage and throughout the whole route, making sure I had everything I needed. We knew today could be a good opportunity, and finishing third leaves a bit of a bitter taste," Aular continued. "We wanted the win, but the important thing is that we’re feeling good, the team is in great shape, we’re motivated, and things are starting to come together. Hopefully, that victory comes soon.”

Despite the disappointment of not yet claiming a stage win, Aular isn’t giving up — he believes that victory could come at any moment. He also emphasized that it’s not just him feeling strong, but the whole of the Movistar Team squad that is in good form.

“Yes, the sensations are really good — not just for me, but for the whole team. Einer Rubio is also in great shape, Nairo Quintana too," Aular concludes his assessment. "We’re really excited about this Giro, we want to put in a great performance, and we’re hoping everything continues to go well, without any setbacks.”