Olympic road race champion Greg Van Avermaat has signed a three-year contract with AG2R La Mondiale. The 35-year-old Greg, who has worn the yellow jersey in the Tour de France and won Paris-Roubaix, makes the move after two years with the CCC team. The Belgian rider has made the move along with fellow CCC team member Michal Scherr.

"I am happy and motivated to start a new adventure. I just spent a beautiful decade under Jim Ochowicz, but I am embarking on a new challenge," Van Avermaat said in a press release issued by his future team.

"I am delighted that Vincent Lavenu has put so much faith in me. The goal of winning the Classics with Oliver Naessen is particularly exciting. I'm looking forward to the Tour de Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, a stage win in the Tour de France, and to wear the yellow jersey for as long as possible.

Van Avermaert's future has been in doubt for some time after the CCC announced it would withdraw after this season. Ochowicz had been trying to find a replacement sponsor for 2021, but on the eve of Milan-San Remo, his star rider admitted that he would be leaving the team at the end of this season.AG2R La Mondiale is undergoing a complete revamp of its roster this year. The team announced that Citroën will be a co-sponsor next year and signed long-term contracts with Nyssen and other classics specialists. At the same time, Romain Bardet moved to Team Sunweb and Pierre Latour moved to Direct Energie.

The addition of Van Avermaet strengthens the team's Classics department and will team up with Nessen in the most important one-day races. Scherr's addition will add a valuable domestique to the team.

"I am very excited to begin writing a new chapter in my career. I'm fascinated by the sporting project proposed by Vincent Lavene, a true cycling enthusiast. I live in the same village as Matthias Franck and he always spoke passionately about the AG2R La Mondiale team." In particular, the duo of Greg Van Avermaat and Oliver Naessen, who have been running together since 2011, will do well in the Classic. If I can help them achieve their big goals, I'll be very happy."

Team boss Vincent Lavenu praised the two new players, saying that the French team will be one of the strongest in the spring classic next year. We are delighted to have Greg Van Avermaet and Mickaël Scherr," Lavenu said. Greg is a great champion and has shown incredible consistency at the highest level. His experience, rigor and hard work will be important in our development projects. He will be an example to all young riders."

"His bond with his friend Oliver Naessen, who he also trains with, will be an added advantage. Michal is one of the best teammates in the world. He will be invaluable in protecting the leaders, both in stage races and in the classics. He is also very good at time trials. He is a pilot and his experience will contribute a lot," said the team boss.