Fabio Aru and Fernando Gaviria will lead the UAE Team Emirates squad in next week's Vuelta a Burgos as the former Vuelta a España winners begin their season in the Tour de France. The Vuelta a Burgos will run from July 28 to August 1. Aru, who is entering the final year of a three-year contract with the team, has only raced six days in 2020, but the Italian will tackle a mountain stage in Spain, while Gaviria will be looking for a sprint finish. The Colombian rider will be supported by loyal and experienced lead-out rider Max Richeze.

"I am excited and ready to return to competition in Burgos," Aru said in a press release issued by the team.

"During my time off, I have had the opportunity to spend time at home with my young family, which has refreshed me. It has also been a time of hard work. I recently spent many hours training with the team in the highlands of Sestriere. I am eager to get back to the peloton with my race number on my back again."

Since joining the team in 2018, Aru has had a difficult few years. He showed a dramatic drop in form and contracted cytomegalovirus. This was after he was forced to undergo surgery for a previously undiagnosed iliac artery problem (open in new tab). Now, however, his health has improved and the Italian rider is eager to return to competitive racing. Last November, he told the press that his previous experience should not be ignored.

"In the past I have raced with giants of the sport like Contador and Froome. Pogachar is really strong and we will probably have fun together. ......

"Of course, if I find I can't get back to my best, if I struggle and can't be competitive, I'll gladly lower my level. But I think that's the stuff of science fiction.

The team has already announced its eight riders for the Tour de France, and Aru will be paired with team leader Tadej Pogacar in the mountains. Gaviria will miss this race to focus on a stage win at the Giro d'Italia, but team director Neal Stephens is not thinking too far ahead at the moment.

"The riders are very excited and eager to get back to racing. It's been a long time, but the whole team has prepared well at home and we expect good results in Burgos."

"It will be a bit different from our normal races and the safety of the riders, staff and the many spectators will be a big focus. The team is very balanced and wants to be in the action every day, whether it's sprinting or climbing."

UAE Team Emirates in the Vuelta a Burgos: Fabio Al, Camilo Ardila, David de la Cruz, Camilo Ardila, Fernando Gaviria, Max Richeze, and Cristian Muñoz.