UCI Continental team Mitchelton-SCOTT has confirmed the signing of young Colombian climber Brayan Chaves for the 2018 season.
Looking to follow in the footsteps of older brother Esteban Chaves, who rides for WorldTour outfit ORICA-SCOTT, 20-year-old Brayan is stepping up to the continental calendar with the Chinese-registered outfit after competing at U23 level in Colombia.
“It’s really amazing this opportunity for the 2018 season,” said Chaves. “I don’t have the words to describe how excited I am. I am really happy to be coming to the team and it’s a dream come true to be part of this set up and work towards the future.”
“Of course it would be incredible if I can follow in the footsteps of Esteban with what he has achieved racing for ORICA-SCOTT, that would be really special and it is a great opportunity for me that I want to make the most of.”
With a firm emphasis on development, but also a weather eye being kept on the future, sport director James Victor spoke of the long and short term plans for Chaves.
“Brayan comes to us with an obvious family pedigree from brother Esteban,” said Victor. “The short-term plan is to expose Brayan to a mix of opportunities across varied races to allow to him to find his place and confidence on what will be a steep learning curve.”
“In addition to Tours in Asia that will suit his climbing ability we have a longer term plan to work with Brayan over the next few years with a view to his development following a similar trajectory to that of Esteban and other talented Colombian climbers.”
Brayan Chaves
Date of Birth: 30th May 1997 (20)
Nationality: Colombia
Place of Birth: Bogota, Colombia