Esteban Chaves is arguable one of the most admired riders in the world of cycling. His smile and positive attitude are infectious and bring some light in the often-superficial world of professional sports.

In the last couple of years, the young Colombian has experienced probably more ups and downs than most of us will experience in a lifetime. He was runner up at the Giro d’Italia, third at the Vuelta a Espana and became the first non-European winner of Il Lombardia, but then also struggled with sickness and career threating injuries.

When this documentary was shot nobody knew whether Esteban would again return to the highest levels of racing. The postscript to the story is his spectacular stage win at the Giro d'Italia in May 2019. A signal that Esteban is once again returning to top form.

A severe accident on the 16th February 2013 put his professional cycling career at stake. His injuries included a compound fracture of his right collarbone, fractures to his skull, right cheekbone, maxillary sinuses and sphenoid bone, a punctured lung, and suspected rib fractures along with multiple contusions. It takes a true character, like Esteban Chaves, to fight his way back on and off the bike.

During his time back in Colombia, he gave us a unvarnished insight into his life on and off the bike. His struggles and joys, his past and future goals. Listen to him, his family and closest friends to find out more about the rollercoaster life of this very special rider.

To raise awareness for his foundation SCOTT Sports designed a very special Addict RC frame set for Esteban Chaves for the upcoming UCI world championship in Yorkshire and his first return to Il Lombardia after his remarkable victory in 2016. This Addict RC frame kit is also featured in SCOTT's 2020 collection and will be available as a limited edition for end consumers in November. A contribution of 200 € per frame set goes directly to Esteban’s foundation FUN.

The frameset is kept in the colors of FUN Esteban Chaves. The SCOTT signature on the down tube has the same multicolored pattern as used for his foundation. The blue and silver paint has a unique premium finish, which sparkles in the sun and gives the bike a one of a kind feeling. In contrast to the frame set that he will use the commercially available version doesn’t feature his name on the top tube or FUN logo on the head tube.

“I am really happy that SCOTT not only helps to create awareness of my foundation with this very special bike and the documentary, but also will give 200 € of every sold frame set to our organization.”

“I am really happy to know I can count on SCOTT not only to achieve my goals as a pro cyclist but also to leave some legacy for future generations. I had a lot of fun filming the documentary and the final product is amazing.”

“I am also very grateful with SCOTT for their initiative to donate 200 € for every sold frame of Addict RC FUN special edition. Everyone who get one of them, should know they are contributing to change kids life and they are helping us multiplying smiles. They all should feel part of FUN Esteban Chaves.“

“I have always been grateful to life and the opportunities it has given me, I suffered multiple accidents during my career, and I sometimes got recover against the odds. Now I want to give some of the joy I have received back with my foundation.”

Esteban’s foundation works on two main pillars: Sport (Cycling) and Medicine (Orthopedics), in keeping with the philosophy of work of Esteban Chaves and the values he represents: Optimism, perseverance, discipline, and fellowship.

With FUN Esteban Chaves cycling team and Clásica Esteban Chaves youth race, the foundation is committed with the formation of integral human beings through sport and healthy competition.

With Gran Fondo Esteban Chaves (medical program) program, the foundation is determined to change the life of children, who may not have the resources to treat their orthopedic problems, that make it difficult for them to play, write, or even walk.

The 29-year-old Colombian from Bogotà showed enormous potential early in his career, winning the Tour de l’Avenir in 2011, only to be sidelined a couple of years later with severe injuries in a crash that left his young career in serious question. In 2014, Orica-GreenEdge saw the talent within and offered Esteban an initial three-year contract – even though he had yet to return to his potential as a result of his injuries. A year later, Chaves won a stage of the Vuelta a España, and he had a break-out season in 2016 achieving runner up in the Giro d’Italia, third in the Vuelta a España, and winning the Giro di Lombardia. But in 2017, it all started sliding away when he was diagnosed with Epstein Barr virus.

Photos/Video: WhereNext
Photos: Tom Schlegel / Kristof Ramon / FUN Esteban Chaves