Mitchelton-SCOTT will take a conservative approach to the comeback of Colombian climber Esteban Chaves after he returned to the bike this week for the first time since finishing the Giro d’Italia ten weeks ago.
After claiming a spectacular victory atop Mt Etna on stage six of the Italian Grand Tour, Chaves unexpectedly dropped out of overall contention on stage 10.
The 28-year-old fought on in attempt to assist teammate Simon Yates in his 13 days in the Maglia Rosa before he and the Mitchelton-SCOTT medical team turned their attention to discovering the cause of symptoms impacting his ability to ride at his top level.
After extensive testing, the two-time Grand Tour podium placer was diagnosed with a number of viruses, including Mononucleosis (also known as Epstein-Barr or Glandular Fever), along with sinus and allergy reactions.
After treatment and an extensive period of rest, Chaves has now been given the all-clear to begin training but, with the support and guidance of the Mitchelton-SCOTT medical and high performance team, will remain cautious in his return to fitness.
The 2016 Il Lombardia champion will not line up as previously planned at the upcoming Vuelta a Espana and any possible return to racing in 2018 will be determined by careful consideration of his progress.
Esteban Chaves: “It’s been a hard period. Since 2012 I haven’t been off the bike this long, especially because I can’t. It was not fast like you want. In this sport, we are used to answers and results coming fast and this process was slow and the time can make you crazy.
“But, we worked really well with the team and I want to thank you them for their support and patience, from the head with Shayne and Gerry, to the masseurs and mechanics that have been close to me in this process.
“We discovered some sickness, the doctors can always explain better, we had a surgery as well, and after that it was just waiting and having confidence to overcome what was a weird case.
“I’m happy to be back on the bike. It still hurts for sure, but I can already feel some differences; it’s a different suffering than I had before. Now it’s the normal suffering we get when starting again after such a long time off training.
“We are on the right path again and we have to keep patience and confidence like always.”
Manuel Rodriguez, Mitchelton-SCOTT doctor: “After thorough testing, Esteban was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus as well as chronic sinusitis process.
“Epstein-Barr is not a new virus nor an uncommon one, but Esteban’s tests showed that it was gaining strength and attacking when his immune system was down or in times of fatigue, most obviously in races or high intensity training periods. Its strength likely allowed the introduction of other viruses into his body.
“After a period of rest and treatment for the viruses, Esteban was cleared for minor sinus surgery before undertaking a final recovery period.
“We are confident that the treatments have been successful and it is safe for Esteban to return to training but to prevent the reoccurrence of symptoms we will monitor his health without a deadline to return to racing.”
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