Promising young Colombian Johan Esteban Chaves (Colombia) is facing a prolonged recovery from a serious crash in the Trofeo Laigueglia on Sunday. The 23-year-old suffered multiple fractures in the early season race won by Filippo Pozzato (Lampre-Merida).
Riding with Colombia-Coldeportes a year ago, Chaves picked up two victories, beating Sergio Henao and Igor Anton in stage five of the Vuelta a Burgos and taking the GP Citta di Camaiore a week later. Chaves had only finished the Tour Méditerranéen so far this year, in 59th overall, but will now be faced with a long road back to health before progressing with his promising career.
“Esteban suffered a compound fracture to his right collarbone, fractures in his left petrous bone (a portion of the temporal bone), right cheekbone, maxillary sinuses and sphenoid bone, while also receiving pulmonary compressions, abrasions and suspected rib fractures,” said Team Colombia doctor Marco Pallini. “In addition, yesterday’s exams had revealed a minor subarachnoid bleeding, but today’s CT showed that it has already significantly reduced.”
Chaves is spending time in an Italian hospital, though he remains in good spirits, buoyed by calls from family and friends from his home country.
“Esteban’s morale is simply incredible. He is encouraging his team-mates, rather than being encouraged, and he is already looking forward to his recovery,” Pallini added. Though no surgery is expected to be required, Chaves is likely to be sidelined for more than a month before he can resume racing.
As a result, the 18-man Colombia squad will be a bit shorthanded as it begins racing on three fronts next weekend, in La Drôme Classic, the Les Boucles de Sud Ardèche, and the GP di Lugano.