BOGOTÁ (EFE).— Colombian cyclist Esteban Chaves, one of the most outstanding figures in Latin American cycling and runner-up of the Giro d’Italia in 2016, announced this Monday his definitive retirement at the age of 35, after a career of 16 seasons in professionalism.
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A career marked by smiles and resilience
Recognized for his positive attitude and permanent smile, Chaves built a career that left its mark on world cycling. His performance in 2016 led him to become:- Giro d’Italia runner-up
- Third in the Vuelta a España
- First Latin American to win the Giro di Lombardia, one of the five Monuments of cycling
The fall that changed his life
Much of his sporting history was marked by a serious fall suffered on February 16, 2013 during the Trofeo Laigueglia in Italy, when he was racing for the Colombia es Pasión team. The accident nearly ended his career —and his life— leaving him with multiple fractures and a severe traumatic brain injury. The doctors assured that he would not be able to compete again. However, after a 15-hour surgery, months of rehabilitation and an intense emotional process, Chaves managed to regain mobility and return to the elite of cycling.Reborn on the Bike
The Australian team Orica GreenEdge bet on him even when he was not fully recovered. That vote of confidence reopened the doors to professionalism, allowing him to build the greatest successes of his career.Throughout his career he wore the colors of:
- Colombia is Passion – Coffee from Colombia (2009–2011)
- Colombia-Coldeportes (2012–2013)
- Orica GreenEdge / Mitchelton-Scott (2014–2021)
- EF Pro Cycling (2022–2025)
His last competition was the Vuelta a España 2025, from which he withdrew in stage 12.
