Colombian Esteban Chaves, runner-up of the 2016 Giro, announces his retirement from professional cycling

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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"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," expressed Chaves in a statement from his team, EF Pro Cycling, with whom he competed for the last three seasons.

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

In addition, he was the Colombian national road champion in 2023 and accumulated victories in races such as the "Tour del Porvenir", "Giro de Emilia", "Abu Dhabi Tour" and the "Heraldo Sun Tour", among others.

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.

A Farewell Full of Gratitude

“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”, expressed the rider, who highlighted that his retirement comes at a moment of personal fulfillment. With his farewell, Colombian cycling loses one of its most charismatic and resilient exponents, whose legacy will transcend beyond his victories.