'Those two years that I wanted to continue competing are now over' - Van Avermaet considers future cycling options

The Belgian, who ended his professional career in 2023 after almost two decades in the peloton, is now reflecting on his next steps after completing his personal two year plan to stay competitive in sport after retirement.

"I'm qualified for the [Gravel] World Championships in 2026 in Nice and it's quite possible that I'll take that opportunity," Van Avermaet told Wielerflits. "In any case, my goal is to gradually scale back the competitive element and continue only on a recreational basis. Age is catching up with me now."

He had set himself the target of maintaining a high level in sport for two years, especially in gravel racing. Balancing that ambition with a busy schedule has proved increasingly difficult.

"Particularly in gravel racing. But even there, with my busy schedule, it's not easy to perform at a high level," he explained. "I still participate in those races, but especially at the World Championships, the level was extremely high. Really trying to win races is quite difficult, but in the UCI Gravel Series a top 10 finish is still possible."

Even so, Van Avermaet enjoys the variety that comes with life after the WorldTour.

"The combination of different sports is challenging," he reflected. "But it's also a lot of fun. Sports has always been an outlet for me. I've always been quite athletic and I still enjoy competing. But if I'm honest, I would enjoy it much more if the level in those disciplines would drop a bit," he added with a smile.

With his self imposed competitive window now closed, the former Paris-Roubaix winner is cautiously exploring new challenges and considering a possible return to the sport in another role.

"Those two years that I wanted to continue competing are now over. So something else needs to come along now. It's difficult to map out your life after your career," he admitted. "But I think I'm doing quite well at keeping myself entertained. I certainly haven't fallen into a black hole."

As for a future position with a team or a national squad, Van Avermaet remains open but undecided.

"Maybe I would like to do something in cycling, yes. I would really like to pass on my experience, but I also know what I don't want. Being away from home for 200 days or sitting in the follow car isn't for me either. It's not easy to put that puzzle together completely, it all has to come at the right moment. But I continue to follow the cycling world closely, and then we'll see what that brings."