I'm Ivan Basso, born in Gallarate on November 26, 1977. I've won the Giro d'Italia twice, in 2006 and 2010, and had the honor of standing on the podium at the Tour de France. My dream of becoming a cyclist began when I was just a child, watching the final stage of the 1984 Giro d'Italia at the Arena di Verona. That day, I made myself a promise: one day, I would be there—not in the crowd, but as a protagonist. And I kept that promise by winning the Giro right at the Arena in 2010.
After retiring from racing in 2015 due to a cancer diagnosis, I chose to embark on a new journey—one focused on building the future and creating opportunities for those who, like me, have always believed in cycling. The transition from athlete to entrepreneur was not easy, but it taught me that hardship never disappears—it simply takes a new shape. And that structure and perseverance remain essential in every aspect of life.
From cyclist to entrepreneur, I've gained a vital awareness: the real value lies in the people we journey with and in the conscious effort that guides every step we take.
Image of the Giro d'Italia victory
Founded in 2018 with Fran and Alberto Contador, our team was created to scout talent and nurture it with care. Thanks to meticulous and committed management, we've grown into a UCI ProTeam, with victories at the Giro d'Italia. Today, as Team Polti VisitMalta, and thanks to the unwavering support of our sponsors, we continue to invest in the future of cycling—one rider at a time.
Visit team's websiteImage or video of Team Polti VisitMalta.
In 2020, alongside my trusted teammates, I co-founded AURUM, a brand of high-performance bicycles. Our mission was clear: to create a bike that embodies the experience, insight, and technical know-how we gained during our professional careers. Each AURUM bike carries the promise of a uniquely refined cycling experience. Ask those who ride them every day—our cyclists.
Visit Aurum's websiteImage of AURUM bicycles or presentation video.
SCIO is the extension of my life in cycling. After years of racing and victories, I wanted to give something back to cycling — not only on a sporting level, but also on a human one. SCIO Pro Cycling Lifetime Experience offers tailor-made journeys for those who love the bike, exploring wonderful places and embracing cycling as culture and well-being. It is a project that promotes sustainable and authentic cycle tourism, creating connections between people and territories.
Visit Scio's websiteImmagine di Scio.
By exploring the connections between sport and the business world—links that aren't always obvious—I work to share the values that have shaped and still inspire my path. I'm currently developing a new project designed to uncover unexplored synergies between the world of sport and a field that's becoming increasingly vital across many domains. Get ready to see cycling through a new lens…
Photo of Ivan Basso as a motivator