Chaves delays Tour debut to focus on the Giro

Esteban Chaves will participate in the  Giro d’Italia in 2017 . The Colombian rider will delay his debut in the Tour de France to participate in the Corsa Rosa where he finished in second place in 2016. 

Chaves made the announcement in an interview with DeportesRCN where the  Orica - BikeExchange rider explained why he will skip the Tour:

"There are still a lot of seasons to do the Tour de France . One day I will find a route suitable to my skills and then I will go there.” 

"I have a special relationship with Italy,” added Chaves. “I really like Italian cycling and I have many friends in Italy". 

The winner of Il Lombardia will make his season debut already in late January as je will participate in the Tour Down Under.

With his decision to skip the Tour, it is likely that the Yates brothers will spearhead the team in France.