Esteban Chaves talks Colombian passion

Colombian racing snake Esteban Chaves is one of the friendliest bike racers around, and just before the pandemic went into overdrive I chatted about the Colombian passion for cycling with him.

Here’s a clip from the chat

ST; Colombia has always had a passion for cycling. In the 1980’s was when the café de Colombia team first hit the headlines, although here was a lull in Colombian riders making it big in Europe after that. 

How have things changed since the new generation took things to such a high level, and has that changed the profile of cycling in the country?

EC; Cycle racing was always important in Colombia, and it still is. This is why I like cycling, because my dad lived through the 80’s-90’s generation with all of the guys going to Europe; like with Lucho Herrera winning the Vuelta a’ Espana, Fabio Parra in the Tour de France yellow for 13 days, my dad was always involved in cycling.

When I was growing up it was not really a great moment in cycling for Colombia, but my dad was (and still is) crazy about the sport. In the house we always had bikes, wheels and yellow jerseys, and I always remember myself in front of the television watching the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia, even if there was not one Colombian rider there. 

I have really good memories of when Santiago Botero won the time trial in the World’s, and also always in my mind were the stages Ivan Parra won in the Giro d’Italia, and when Victor Hugo Pena took the yellow jersey in the Tour de France. This was a big impression for me. It was big for my dad, and me but not in the country. At that time they had turned more towards soccer.

I can feel the difference now compared to that time. The country has turned a lot towards cycling; everybody rides a bike and everyone knows all of the races. You can watch all of the big races on international TV, especially with what happened this year with Egan (Bernal).

It’s even bigger now; it’s crazy. For example, I can’t train on Sunday because there are many, too many, bike riders and you cannot move. There are not many roads here; it’s not like Europe. So, I prefer to take rest days on Sundays, it’s unbelievable.

ST; Colombia is a long way from Europe and its bike racing culture, why do you think it has always been such a strong cycling nation?

EC: I think there are 2 important things; first, we have the genetics - because we’re born at altitude, and being born and growing up at altitude makes a difference. Also, the bicycle is always the mode of transport for kids going to school. There is always one bike in a household; it’s the cheapest way to get around. 

After, when you go for a critirium and you’re born at altitude, (you know) it’s your sport. I think this is the reason, and also the mountains. 

One example is Nairo Quintana, he grew up at 3,000-meters of altitude, and he went by bike to school since he was 8-years old. He had to ride 12-Kilometres down to school, and then ride back up again – every single day. When you’ve a carbon bike to a guy like that, it’s perfect.