The journey between Simone Avondetto and the Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team will continue for at least another four seasons. The talented rider from Piedmont has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Italian team until 2028, aiming to write new and important chapters in a partnership that began in 2022, his final year as an U23.
The goal is to further enrich an already impressive number of results. In 2022, Avondetto claimed the titles of Italian XCO Champion, European Champion, and World Champion, all in the U23 category. During his first two years as an Elite rider, despite a long absence caused by mononucleosis, he won the Italian Short Track Championship, secured two World Cup podiums, and, in the muddy fields of Cheile Gradistei, became the first Italian ever to claim the Elite European XCO title. He ended the season ranked among the top 10 riders in the UCI rankings.
“For me, Wilier-Vittoria is like a second family, the perfect place to continue growing step by step, just as I have so far,” said Avondetto. “Since joining this amazing team, I’ve achieved some great results, but I’ve also faced tough moments, like the seemingly endless battle with mononucleosis in 2023. During that time, the team always stood by me and provided everything I needed, which made me realize I was truly in the right place. I can’t wait to repay that trust with strong performances on racecourses around the world.”
“Avondetto fully embodies the values of our team: passion, determination, and the drive to excel,” said Marco Trentin, general manager of Wilier-Vittoria. “We are proud to continue supporting him on his journey toward new milestones in XCO. Our decision to invest only in this discipline starting in 2025 is rooted in our belief that, with the right support, an athlete with such great potential can achieve extraordinary things in the years to come.”
“Simone has been a key part of our growth in the mountain bike world,” added the Gastaldello family, owners of Wilier Triestina. “Over the years, we’ve seen him improve as an athlete, achieving world-class results. This contract renewal is part of a broader strategy to position Wilier Triestina as one of the top brands not only in the road cycling world but also in off-road disciplines. Within two years, we aim to become a leading Factory Team in the UCI MTB World Series.”