Esteban Chaves

Esteban Chaves earned a major victory in his early career by winning the 2011 Giro Ciclistico d'Italia, also known as the Baby Giro. This race is considered one of the most prestigious under-23 cycling races, often serving as a proving ground for future professional cyclists. Chaves' victory in this race demonstrated his potential as a talented climber and set the stage for his future successes in professional cycling. The win was a significant achievement, marking Chaves as a rising star in the cycling world and helping to launch his professional career.

After recovering from a severe crash in 2012, Esteban Chaves signed with the Australian professional cycling team Orica-GreenEDGE in late 2013. This marked a crucial step in his professional career as it allowed him to join a WorldTour team with strong support and resources. Chaves joined Orica-GreenEDGE with hopes of competing in major international races and further proving his abilities as a top climber. His signing was seen as a comeback story, illustrating his determination and resilience to overcome adversity and continue pursuing his professional ambitions.

Esteban Chaves displayed his climbing prowess by winning Stage 2 of the 2015 Vuelta a España. This victory was significant as it marked his first ever Grand Tour stage win, and it put him into the race leader's red jersey. The stage was a mountainous ride from Alhaurín de la Torre to Caminito del Rey, and Chaves attacked in the final kilometers to take the win. His performance in this race established his reputation as a gifted climber and a serious contender in Grand Tour events, and it also raised his profile internationally.

Esteban Chaves achieved a career milestone by finishing as the runner-up in the 2016 Giro d'Italia. This was the highest placement for a Colombian cyclist in the Giro at the time and signified Chaves' emergence as a top contender in Grand Tours. Throughout the race, Chaves demonstrated his climbing skills and resilience, consistently performing well in the mountain stages. His second-place finish, just behind winner Vincenzo Nibali, highlighted his potential for future success in the grand tours.

In the 2016 Vuelta a España, Esteban Chaves delivered an impressive performance to finish in third place overall, marking another Grand Tour podium finish for him that year. Chaves showed consistent form throughout the race, particularly in the mountainous stages where he was able to compete with the best climbers in the peloton. His resilience and determination were key factors in securing another top-three finish, further establishing his reputation as a grand tour contender and a key figure in his team.

Esteban Chaves made history by becoming the first Colombian to win Il Lombardia, a prestigious Monument Classic, on October 1, 2016. Known for its hilly terrain, Il Lombardia is one of cycling's five Monument races, and Chaves' victory was a landmark achievement both for him personally and for Colombian cycling. He outperformed a strong field of competitors, showcasing his tactical acumen and strength in the decisive moments of the race. This win further solidified his status as one of the sport's premier climbers.

Esteban Chaves claimed an impressive victory on Stage 5 of the 2017 Giro d'Italia, covering the challenging route from Pedara to Messina. This victory added to his Grand Tour stage wins and demonstrated his continued strength as a breakaway specialist and climber. His win on this stage was a part of a strategically coordinated effort with his teammates at Orica-Scott, aiming to position him well in the general classification. It reaffirmed his ability to triumph in the demanding conditions of cycling's grand tours.

On May 10, 2018, Esteban Chaves showcased his climbing skills by winning Stage 6 of the Giro d'Italia. The stage was particularly challenging, featuring multiple climbs and a grueling final ascent to Mount Etna. Chaves' victory was celebrated as a comeback achievement, as he managed to outpace some of the race's top contenders in the final kilometers. His performance reinforced his reputation as one of the premier climbers and a consistent threat in challenging stages.

Esteban Chaves took victory on Stage 4 of the 2021 Volta a Catalunya, a testament to his enduring class and fighting spirit. The stage, which finished with a tough climb to Port Ainé, saw Chaves attack from a select group of leaders. This victory was important for Chaves, representing a return to form after overcoming several seasons marred by injuries and challenges. It reinvigorated his career, showing that he remained a fierce competitor in the professional cycling world.

In October 2022, Esteban Chaves signed with EF Education-EasyPost, marking a new chapter in his professional cycling career. This move came after several successful years with his previous team, BikeExchange-Jayco, and it was seen as an opportunity for Chaves to play a leadership role while also supporting the team's younger riders. The decision to join EF Education-EasyPost was driven by the team's international presence and innovative approach to racing, aligning with Chaves' personal goals for the latter stage of his career.