Esteban Chaves Retires: Colombian Cycling Legend Hangs Up His Bike

The renowned Colombian cyclist Esteban Chaves, an emblematic figure of Latin American cycling and runner-up of the Giro d’Italia in 2016, announced his definitive retirement from professional cycling at the age of 35, after a distinguished career of 16 seasons. Chaves, known for his positive spirit and his constant smile, expressed his happiness and pride for his sporting career, highlighting the satisfaction of closing this chapter of his life in a fulfilling way.

I am very happy and proud of the sporting career I had. I am very happy to close this chapter in the way I am closing it

Esteban Chaves

A Legacy of Resilience and Success

Chaves’ career was characterized by his resilience and his ability to overcome obstacles. In 2016, he reached his highest point by becoming runner-up in the Giro d’Italia and obtaining third place in the Vuelta a España. In addition, he made history by being the first Latin American to win the Giro di Lombardia, one of the monuments of cycling.

• Giro d’Italia runner-up
• Third in the Vuelta a España
• First Latin American to win the Giro di Lombardia

In 2023, Chaves was crowned Colombian national road champion, adding victories in important races such as the Tour del Porvenir, Giro de Emilia, Abu Dhabi Tour and Heraldo Sun Tour. A crucial moment in his career was the serious fall suffered on February 16, 2013, during the Trofeo Laigueglia in Italy, which put his life and career at risk. After months of recovery and a 15-hour surgery, Chaves showed incredible strength by returning to the elite of cycling. The Australian team Orica GreenEdge trusted him, giving him the opportunity to relaunch his career and achieve new successes.

Throughout his career, Chaves represented the teams:

• Colombia es Pasión – Café de 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. Chaves expressed that his retirement comes at a time of personal fulfillment, highlighting his role as a son, brother, husband and father, and his desire to be a role model and be in contact with nature.