2016 Il Lombardia champion Esteban Chaves will miss the Colombian championships this weekend due to knee soreness.
The 27-year-old, who has consulted with team and local doctors, will take a week off the bike before easing back into training with a long-term outlook on the season.
Chaves has been heavily involved in the championships, which are being held in his home town of Bogota, and has expressed his disappointment in missing the unique opportunity to race in front of a home crowd.
“I am really disappointed to miss the national championships tomorrow, I was looking forward to making my elite debut in my home town,” Chaves said. “But it is a long season and we needed to take the decision to fix any little problems now so we can continue with the plan this year without trouble.”
“I’m looking forward to going to the race tomorrow and showing my support for the great Colombian talent we have. For sure it will be a great race for the city and for the fans, especially the young kids that can look up to these stars and continue to dream.”
