"Wearing the national colors for a year is something I will never forget” - Esteban Chaves reaches new height with Colombian title

Esteban Chaves' performance in the previous year was a source of frustration as he failed to register a single victory. Nevertheless, this season is looking like a departure from that trend as he has started with a triumph at the national championship, thereby establishing a strong foundation for the rest of the season.

“Wearing the national colors for a year is something I will never forget,” Chaves told Cyclingnews after the race. He continues, “Winning here in Bucaramanga was spectacular, the people were crazy. I think today was the day most people shouted my name that I saw, that gave me that warmth that made me push until the very end."

Chaves claimed the victory as a solo effort, launching an attack eight kilometers from the finish and crossing the line 32 seconds ahead of the competition. "There are many people who made this possible: my family, my wife. Today somebody special came too, Dr. Sandoval, who, without his help, this wouldn’t have been possible. He saved my career,” said Chaves.

The heights the Colombian rider may reach this season are yet to be seen, but for now, it's a time for celebration. “This is a day to enjoy and now we have to continue working, keep our feet on the ground. The season has just started and now we have to start from zero,” concluded Chaves.