Esteban Chaves Retires from Cycling: Farewell to a Colombian Icon

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 sport at the age of 35, after a distinguished career of 16 seasons. Chaves, known for his positive spirit and his unmistakable smile, shared the news through a statement from his team, EF Pro Cycling, where he expressed his satisfaction with his career.

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 Career of Successes and Resilience

Chaves’s career was characterized by his exemplary attitude and his ability to overcome adversity. In 2016, he reached his highest point, achieving the runner-up position in the Giro d’Italia and third place in the Vuelta a España.

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

In addition to his achievements in the Grand Tours, Chaves was the Colombian national road champion in 2023 and achieved victories in various international competitions. His sporting history was marked by a serious fall suffered on February 16, 2013, during the Trofeo Laigueglia in Italy. The accident caused multiple fractures and a severe traumatic brain injury, putting his career and his life at risk. Despite medical prognoses, Chaves underwent surgery and a long rehabilitation process, managing to return to elite cycling. The Australian team Orica GreenEdge gave him their support, opening the doors to professionalism and allowing him to achieve important successes.

Throughout his career, Chaves represented the following teams:

• 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. Chaves expressed his gratitude and his vision for the future:

Without the bicycle I am Esteban: son, brother, husband, father. A human being who dreams of setting an example, being at peace and having contact with nature

Esteban Chaves

With his departure, Colombian cycling loses one of its most beloved exponents, whose legacy will endure.