The Columbian Kangaroo, Esteban Chaves, is the first big name to confirm for the start line of the 2017 Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
The Orica-BikeExchange climbing sensation will use a string of Australian summer races as the springboard to his 2017 campaign.
The Jayco Herald Sun Tour will be the climax to the summer of cycling. The 64th edition of Australia’s oldest stage race will be staged from Wednesday 1st to Sunday 5th February, with the 2017 route to be announced shortly.
26-year-old Chaves had a breakout season in 2016, with second place finish at the Giro d’Italia, third at the Vuelta a Espana and a stunning win at the Italian monument, Il Lombardia.
Having watched with interest the exploits of three-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome, who captured a memorable win at last year’s Jayco Herald Sun Tour, Chaves said it was Froome’s win that convinced him to take on the Victorian five day classic.
“He (Froome) is obviously happy with how he did last season in winning the Herald Sun Tour and then winning the Tour de France, so maybe we can copy that,” Chaves said.
A favourite with Australian cycling fans, Chaves will have the perfect Sun Tour warm up – with pipe-openers at the Tour Down Under and Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.
“It’s a good opportunity early in the season,” Chaves said.
“I have started training early, which is new for me. But the important thing is I’m super motivated, I’m happy to do it and I’ll go 100 per cent.”
“When I spoke with the riders from Australia and from other countries about these races they all said they are some of the best races of the year, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Chaves said the Australian season is important to the team.
“I feel as though I’m 50 per cent Australian and finally I’m coming to race in Australia and I can’t wait. I’m super excited.”
“These races are super important for ORICA-BikeExchange,” Chaves said. “We can only race in Australia for these three races each year so I am happy to be with them for this.”
“The boys are super motivated to race near their homes and I am a little bit Australian now so I am happy for this too.
The 2017 Jayco Herald Sun Tour is presented by the Herald Sun and proudly supported by the Victorian Government and Jayco.
