With the race routes for the 2017 Giro d'Italia and 2017 Tour de France unveiled in Milan and Paris respectively, Esteban Chaves looks to have decided on a return to the Corsa Rosa, rather than make his debut at La Grande Boucle. Should Chaves aim for Giro success in May, it would open the door for Adam and Simon Yates to focus on the general classification at the Tour de France for Orica-BikeExchange.
The 26-year-old Colombian finished second to Vincenzo NIbali at the 2016 Giro and recorded his second grand tour podium of the year at the Vuelta a Espana, finishing in third place. Chaves capped off his year by then becoming the first Colombian to win a monument, claiming Il Lombardia in October. A Tour debut in 2017 appeared likely with the route suited to Chaves' characteristics, however he believes the Giro percorso provides better opportunity to claim a maiden grand tour victory.
"I still have many years to do the Tour de France," Chaves was reported as telling Deportes RCN. "One day, I will find that the course suits my qualities and I will try my luck.
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"I have a very special relationship with Italy. I really like Italian cycling and I have many friends in this country."
During the second rest day at the Vuelta, Chaves told the assembled press that "right now, the thought of doing the Tour isn't something that I'm going crazy about." With the Tour seemingly off the table for Chaves in 2017, he could again ride the Vuelta as his second grand tour of the season. Orica-BikeExchange director sportif Matt White told Cyclingnews at the unveiling of the 2017 Tour route that "the Giro-Tour double isn't a good idea for anyone", but a "Giro-Vuelta" double was viable.
The full plans for Orica-BikeExchange's grand tour aspirations will take shape over the coming weeks and months with the unveiling of the 2017 Vuelta a Espana route in January the final piece in the grand tour puzzle.
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