Esteban Chaves held his hand against his heart on the top step of the Il Lombardia podium as the Colombian national played on the speakers. He had just become the first from his country to win one of cycling's five Monuments, and is the first non-European winner of the Italian end-of-season race.
Chaves already had a great 2016 season with second in the Giro d'Italia behind Vincenzo Nibali and a hard-fought third at the Vuelta a España. Now his season has ended on an incredible high.
His happy smile could express what he was feeling, also because Il Lombardia is also his local Classic. He trained on many of the roads covered today while at Team Colombia team in 2012 and 2013.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I started as a pro rider in Bergamo, living near here in Curno. I always have a special feeling for the races in Italy. It was impressive to cross the line as a winner. The dream comes true. I'm super happy," he said.
"It's huge to become the first non-European to win Il Lombardia and the first Colombian to win a Monument," he said. The result proves that dreams can come true not only for him, but for everyone in Colombia he added. "You only have to work and believe. I'm a normal guy from Bogotà, I come from a normal family," he said
"To make the top 5 in one of the hardest races in the world isn't accidental. It's because of the all team and staff at Orica-BikeExchange. They work hard with all their hearts. Last night I was a bit nervous and scared. Tonight I'll celebrate with the boys, a pizza and a beer."
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
via Cyclingnews Latest News http://ift.tt/2cTTVmz
No comments:
Post a Comment