Esteban Chaves' Emotional Climb In Front Of Family

Stage 19 finished at the top of a massive category two climb. The climb itself is technically only 13 kilometers long, but the final 31 kilometers were effectively all uphill to San Martino di Castrozza. 

The stage provided a heart warming finale as Esteban Chaves was swarmed by his family immediately after he soloed across the finish line. 

Esteban Chaves won the stage through sheer tenacity and determination. Chaves repeatedly attacked his breakaway companions on the final climb until they could no longer respond. 

The victory marked a new chapter in Chaves’ career. The Colombian was on fantastic form during the 2018 Giro, but halfway through the race he fell apart. Chaves managed to finish the Giro, but something was clearly wrong. 

Chaves was eventually diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus and did not compete for the remainder of the 2018 season. 

Chaves’ victory in San Martino di Castrozza was an emotional one. It was plain to see how hard he fought, not only on that mountain, but throughout the past year. Watching Esteban Chaves celebrate with his family might just be what the world needs right now.