Esteban Chaves Discussion Thread

[42x16ss]

Re: Re:

Perhaps when Valverde retires, Chaves will go to Movi*

Yeah, Unzue has said many times that Betancur hopefully will be the replacement and the 'new' Valverde, but thats obviously not going to happen. Would absolutely love Chaves on Movi. Him and Quintana....

Does Chaves want to risk that? He spent his time as an U23 in Quintana's shadow, only getting his opportunity at L'Avenir thanks to Quintana's misfortune. At Orica, Chaves is still number 1 for now, but at Movistar Quintana would certainly be ahead.

Chaves is signed to the end of next year IIRC, so we'll just have to wait and see who replaces Orica as the lead sponsor.

 

[movingtarget]

What a year for Chaves. Two grand tour podiums and a monument. And what a year for the team, two monuments and almost three podiums in grand tours. Their oldest rider wins Roubaix and their younger riders do well in the grand tours. Orica are a really well balanced team now.

 

[Moviestar]

Re: Re:

Perhaps when Valverde retires, Chaves will go to Movi*

Yeah, Unzue has said many times that Betancur hopefully will be the replacement and the 'new' Valverde, but thats obviously not going to happen. Would absolutely love Chaves on Movi. Him and Quintana....

Does Chaves want to risk that? He spent his time as an U23 in Quintana's shadow, only getting his opportunity at L'Avenir thanks to Quintana's misfortune. At Orica, Chaves is still number 1 for now, but at Movistar Quintana would certainly be ahead.

Chaves is signed to the end of next year IIRC, so we'll just have to wait and see who replaces Orica as the lead sponsor.

Why would Chaves spent his time in Quintana's shadow? Chaves could lead the team in the Giro/Vuelta and in plenty one week stageraces and even classics.

Valverde has resigned till 2018 and normally he will decrease a bit every year. But i think this is something for the long term (2019?) as Chaves has a contract till 2018.

 

[dirkprovin]

Will be interesting to see how the next 2 years play out for Chaves with this year, arguably, tracking well in advance of expectations. It was thought he would contend for podiums at least at the Vuelta but delivering podiums at both Giro & Vuelta = a major uptick. Likewise; his 2015 Lombardia indicated he could definitely contend in the future but winning the following year ?

Will he move on from OBE at the end of 2018 ? Who knows; much will depend on the $$$ situation and whether Orica's replacement as title sponsor will bring in sufficient $$$ for the team to remain reasonably competitive in the marketplace. However, even if the $$$ issue is answered; there will probably remain the delicate balancing of retaining the team chemistry/ethos that has been a key factor in their successes .... and retaining/developing talent.

Would he necessarily gain by "moving on" ?? Other than financially, or if the relationship suddenly soured with the team; one could mount a sustainable argument for the negative at this point. He clearly is "the man" at OBE and has both the personality and talent to not only develop close relationships with his team but also have them pulling together as a functioning unit for him.

OBE's showings at the Vuelta also demonstrated that they ARE now major players in the GC picture at GTs. Certainly not the SKY "juggernaut" of recent Tours but certainly now possessing the strength, talent & "balls" to not only attempt but successfully execute major set piece moves. Arguably, he is already at a "major team" and the top dog at said team. Who/where offers a step up from his current position ? At this point .... arguable

Managing both his, and the Yates twins, prospects over the next 2 years will be interesting viewing although clearly both Yates seem to feel they are well served staying where they are ..... and from what could be observed of the Chaves/S.Yates vibe, that relationship appears amicable at very worst. The next 2 years will also tell us more regarding THEIR future and whether either of them are legitimate GT podium contenders or more one week/hilly classics riders.

 

[yaco]

Dirk you nailed the last paragraph. Realistically The Yates boys are two years behind Chavez in development so having all three coming out of contract at the same time is a bonus. OBE will have a much better handle on the Yates boys in two years. I reckon it takes 4 to 5 years to determine a riders true potential. And OBE have high hopes for Power.

Somehow I think the Yates boys will be split up in 2019.

 

[dirkprovin]

Dirk you nailed the last paragraph. Realistically The Yates boys are two years behind Chavez in development so having all three coming out of contract at the same time is a bonus. OBE will have a much better handle on the Yates boys in two years. I reckon it takes 4 to 5 years to determine a riders true potential. And OBE have high hopes for Power.

Somehow I think the Yates boys will be split up in 2019.

Very plausible but by no means certain. Lets face it, had they felt that they were/or were likely to be "scratching for the crumbs" after Chaves gets first call, then they would not have re-signed for another two years.

I DO agree that 3 GT GC men at the same team cannot work but there is potential for 2 to co-habit. In two years, we should at least know whether either Yates actually "has it" to be GT podium rather than top10 and which one may be the better one day prospect.

Far too early to know anything re Power .... who will almost certainly be "read the riot act" for his amateur hour misjudgement of the Lombardie start. What is almost certain is that the team will exercise patience and he will be given another 2 year renewal at the end of 2017.

Haig has had a very impressive neo-pro year with a couple of nice individual results at 2nd tier races but moreso, his maiden GT where he was a "player" in the 2 big "set piece" manouvers. Will be interesting to see how his 2nd season pans out but he will be a certain re-signing come end 2017.

 

[yaco]

Would like Chavez to have a crack at La Fleche in the next two years or even LBL - Gotta say that OBE has worked Haig hard in his neo-pro year though I fear he may stagnate in year 2 - Apparently Bardet also missed the start of Lombardia but managed to cycle through the crowds better than Power.

 

[dirkprovin]

Re:

Would like Chavez to have a crack at La Fleche in the next two years or even LBL - Gotta say that OBE has worked Haig hard in his neo-pro year though I fear he may stagnate in year 2 - Apparently Bardet also missed the start of Lombardia but managed to cycle through the crowds better than Power.

It would most certainly be interesting to see the little guy take a serious crack at the Ardennes at some point although I think, at this point, they will steer at least of one of the Yates that way ahead of him. Still, I do agree that he'd enjoy the Mur de Huy if given a fast lead-in. Next season, I think it will be Albasini (who seems to always deliver a result on that hill) and one of the Yates as the protected men for F-W. Liege .... who knows ?

Haig overworked ?? Hhhmm, maybe that impression is slanted by his finishing his first GT rather than being dragged at half/two-thirds distance but then again they must've been monitoring him daily ..... and he certainly played an active and productive role. Again, he is also 23 rather than 20-21. Next season will tell the story whether he continues to progress or will suffer "second season syndrome".

 

[IndianCyclist]

Chavez has achieved what Betancur should have done

 

[Kwibus]

In the orica youtube vids they haig says he's dead tired in one of the final vids. Yet on that very stage he once again does a major dom job.
Its perfectly fine to be dead at the end of an GT.

Cort nielsen thought of quiting the vuelta before the penultimate stage so tired he was, but he won a day later. Most riders are dead at the end of an GT.

 

[mariposa]

Chaves has extended his contract through 2019 according to the Orica Facebook page. Great news for him and the team and cycling in general I think.

 

[yaco]

Chavez had a three year contract that ended in 2018 - He's extended his contract by a further year no doubt on better terms - He's undoubtedly happy at the tea.

 

[dirkprovin]

Re:

Chavez had a three year contract that ended in 2018 - He's extended his contract by a further year no doubt on better terms - He's undoubtedly happy at the tea.

An interesting move given this is just the first year of a 3 year deal signed last year.

Highly understandable given how he has enhanced his stature during this season and an acknowledgement that he would most certainly have "upped" his market price & as a potential target for other leading teams. The fact that he has agreed to this clearly indicates that not only is he happy at this team but considers this to be the right environment for him to continue to succeed.

The "interesting" part is that they have clearly upgraded the contract of their no1 man; is this indicative that their financial backing/potential new naming rights sponsor may be an "upgrade" on their current levels OR are they "re-slicing the pie" in order to retain their prime assets/other riders being "let go".

 

[hfer07]

Re: Re:

Chavez had a three year contract that ended in 2018 - He's extended his contract by a further year no doubt on better terms - He's undoubtedly happy at the tea.

An interesting move given this is just the first year of a 3 year deal signed last year.

Highly understandable given how he has enhanced his stature during this season and an acknowledgement that he would most certainly have "upped" his market price & as a potential target for other leading teams. The fact that he has agreed to this clearly indicates that not only is he happy at this team but considers this to be the right environment for him to continue to succeed.

The "interesting" part is that they have clearly upgraded the contract of their no1 man; is this indicative that their financial backing/potential new naming rights sponsor may be an "upgrade" on their current levels OR are they "re-slicing the pie" in order to retain their prime assets/other riders being "let go".

Gerro & Hayman to start? age wise they're ending their careers in the team, but if Chavito & the Yates crew are set for victory in week long races & GTs for the coming seasons, then fresh quality domestiques are a most. I think the OBE management are doing very well overall, considering the results of this present year, with a team not as powerful as SKY or Movistar- which brings their expectations higher if they commit a 100% to level match them

 

[dastott]

Great news. Despite having a smaller budget Orica are really one of the big teams now.

 

[Escarabajo]

Good news for Chaves and for Orica.

 

[yaco]

Good post as usual Dirk - Think its a case of OBE having long term backing - It's confirmed that Chavez will ride the TDU and the Colombian Nationals - I am surprised that Chavez would ride the TDU, instead of the more low key Cadel Evans race and the Herald Sun Tour.

 

[DNP-Old]

Oh my, how good he's been in Down Under without any form whatsoever. Looks like he's improved once again. Really feel like this is going to be his year, starting with a national championship next month.

 

[42x16ss]

Re:

Oh my, how good he's been in Down Under without any form whatsoever. Looks like he's improved once again. Really feel like this is going to be his year, starting with a national championship next month.

Can't wait to see how Chaves goes at Kinglake and the climb to Falls in the Sun Tour. I think he'll push himself as final preparation for Colombian nationals.

 

[Escarabajo]

Chaves for the Tour this year. No Giro. I am happy about that. He has the right age and experience. Why wait!

http://www.revistamundociclistico.com/ruta/22538-pedalazos-de-colombia-y-el-mundo.html

 

[Jspear]

Sweet! Can't wait to see him up against Froome. I know Froome is stronger, I just want to see how well Chaves will do. Hoping he gets a stage win or two and a high GC place. Surely he could top 5.

 

[Tonton]

Re:

Chaves for the Tour this year. No Giro. I am happy about that. He has the right age and experience. Why wait!

http://www.revistamundociclistico.com/ruta/22538-pedalazos-de-colombia-y-el-mundo.html

Same here. He is a terrific rider, the course is good for him, he can shine. Top-5, and why not a podium? He has what it takes, and as you mention, he's entering his prime.

 

[movingtarget]

Re: Re:

Chaves for the Tour this year. No Giro. I am happy about that. He has the right age and experience. Why wait!

http://www.revistamundociclistico.com/ruta/22538-pedalazos-de-colombia-y-el-mundo.html

Same here. He is a terrific rider, the course is good for him, he can shine. Top-5, and why not a podium? He has what it takes, and as you mention, he's entering his prime.

Two GT podiums last year, why not. He seemed to improve a lot in 2016. He is much more comfortable now over three weeks of racing.

 

[42x16ss]

Re: Re:

Chaves for the Tour this year. No Giro. I am happy about that. He has the right age and experience. Why wait!

http://www.revistamundociclistico.com/ruta/22538-pedalazos-de-colombia-y-el-mundo.html

Same here. He is a terrific rider, the course is good for him, he can shine. Top-5, and why not a podium? He has what it takes, and as you mention, he's entering his prime.

Two GT podiums last year, why not. He seemed to improve a lot in 2016. He is much more comfortable now over three weeks of racing.

The squad is a lot stronger and more experienced now too. Howson has a few high level GTs in his legs now while Plaza and Kreuziger bring good experience. Chaves will be as ably supported as anyone.

 

[yaco]

Will be interesting to see what squad they choose in the Giro to support the Yates brothers, especially seeing Ewan is riding and will take up resources.

I am thinking a team like

Yates x 2
Plaza
Haig
Hepburn
Keukeliere
Mezgec
Kluge
Last one could be Bewley/Hayman/Docker/Albasini/Verona

Howson was just interviewed on radio and gave nothing away about the TDF - This is the typical Orica secrecy.