Colombian cycling star Esteban Chaves has retired from professional cycling after 16 years at the top, EF Education-EasyPost announced on Monday.
It was a decision that came without any regrets for the 35-year-old, who looked ahead to fatherhood and the next chapter of his life.
“I am very happy. I am very proud of the sporting career I have had. I’m very happy to close this chapter in the way we are closing it. Who am I without my bike? Without the bike, I am Esteban. I am a son, I am a brother, I am a husband, I am a father.
Chaves was one of several Colombians who lit up bike racing in the 2010s, alongside the likes of Nairo Quintana, Rigoberto Uran, Egan Bernal and Fernando Gaviria, landing a historic highlight victory at Il Lombardia in 2016 – Colombia’s first and to date, only Monument win.
Known for his big smile but also for how he animated many of the biggest races – both of which contributed to his immense popularity – Chaves confirmed his talent with victory at the 2011 Tour de l’Avenir, and went on to impress throughout Grand Tours during his time on Orica-GreenEdge and EF.
He won three stages of the Giro d’Italia, two at the Vuelta a España, and secured GC podium finishes at both Grand Tours in 2026– second at the Giro and third at the Vuelta. Other highlights included victory at the Giro dell’Emilia and a stage each of the Tour de Suisse and Volta a Catalunya.
In 2018, too, there was another eight-month gap from racing following the Giro d’Italia – where after a strong start with a stage win on Mount Etna, Chaves was poleaxed by a combination of viral infections, including glandular fever, a sinus infection and allergies.
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