Van Avermaet in the team: Basso brings Olympic champion for development department

"I've spent my life searching for that 'golden feeling', the moment when the bike disappears and everything just falls into place," Van Avermaet is quoted as saying in Basso's press release: "As Head of Riding Experience, I'm here to connect these two worlds and drive Basso's product development forward." The 40-year-old will be welcomed with open hands at the Veneto-based company, as Head of Marketing Leonardo Basso explains: "From his unmistakable style to his tactical courage and charisma in the peloton, Greg embodies the soul of the sport we have fallen in love with."

From BMC to Basso

Van Avermaet, who is now 40 years old, most recently worked as a brand ambassador for the Swiss manufacturer BMC and made a name for himself in the gravel sector, among other things. The ex-professional finished last year's World Championships in Limburg/Netherlands in 19th place (elite). At the end of 2025, the ex-professional also attracted attention as a triathlete when he won gold in the Ironman 70.3 distance (40-44 age group). He needed 4:15:56 minutes for the 1.9 kilometre swim, 90 kilometre bike ride and 21.1 kilometre run.

According to Basso, Van Avermaet will work directly with the Italian company's research and development team. He will also manage brand events and help the Veneto-based company to "advance into a bigger league". The Italians, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary next year, are focussing in particular on international marketing.

Olympic victory as a highlight

Van Avermaet can look back on a successful professional career. In addition to his Olympic victory in the road race in Rio de Janeiro, winning the spring classic Paris-Roubaix in 2017 is one of his greatest successes. The classics specialist's palmares also includes two stage wins at the Tour de France (2015 and 2016) and a total of eleven days in the yellow jersey at the world's most important cycling race (2016 and 2018).