Esteban Chaves (Orica BikeExchange) may head into the Vuelta a Espana as one the leading podium contenders but the pint-sized Colombian climber is not putting any undue pressure on his own shoulders.
"This race is not just about the ambitions of Esteban Chaves, it's about the ambitions of Orica BikeExchange," he told Cyclingnews on the eve of the race.
The Vuelta starts on Saturday and Chaves has been talked up as one of the leading overall contenders after his second place in the Giro d'Italia in May. However was quick to point out that any success he achieved would be through the help of his teammates.
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During the Giro d'Italia, Chaves cemented his place as not just a sublimely talented climber and GC rider but also one of the most relaxed athletes within the bunch. He may have succumbed to Vincenzo Nibali's late onslaught in the Giro - dropping from first to second on the final mountain stage - but Chaves has become Orica's talisman and a popular figure in and out of the Australian squad's camp.
It's that carefree and relaxed demeanour that has set Chaves apart from many of his rivals. Granted, the Vuelta is a million miles away from the dialled in frenzy of the Tour de France, but the climber is taking his typical attitude into the final Grand Tour of the season.
"Pressure? Never. Why? Obviously I feel nervous but never pressure. I live for the bike, but pressure, I don't feel that [pressure].
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