A chapter closes as Team Visma | Lease a Bike bids farewell to Olav Kooij, one of their most celebrated sprinters. His departure marks the end of an era, leaving fans and the team alike reflecting on a remarkable journey.
Olav Kooij, at just 24 years old, is moving on after a successful tenure with Team Visma | Lease a Bike, formerly known as Jumbo-Visma. He joined the team in February 2021 and has accumulated an impressive 47 professional wins. But here's where it gets controversial: his absence from the Tour de France and the lack of consistent leadership opportunities played a significant role in his decision to seek new horizons.
The team fondly remembers Kooij's rapid ascent. He joined the team's development program in 2020 at the tender age of 18. His impact was immediate. In his first four races, he secured three victories, showcasing his exceptional talent. This early success earned him a professional contract after just over a year in the development ranks.
Kooij quickly established himself not only as a formidable sprinter but also as a versatile rider capable of tackling short, explosive climbs. A standout performance at the 2023 European Championships, where he finished on the podium alongside teammates Christophe Laporte and Wout van Aert, highlighted his all-around capabilities.
However, with the team prioritizing overall victory at the Tour de France, opportunities for Kooij in the sprints were limited, with Wout van Aert often taking precedence. And this is the part most people miss: Despite this, Kooij built an impressive palmarès. His achievements include three stage wins at the Giro d'Italia (in two participations), five at the Tour de Pologne, three at Paris-Nice, and seven at the Tour of Britain (across two participations), alongside victories in one-day races like the Cyclassics Hamburg, Sparkassen Münsterland Giro, and Clasica de Almeria.
In 2024, Kooij's schedule primarily consisted of WorldTour races, where the competition is fierce. Yet, he still managed to secure a stage win at the UAE Tour and two more at Paris-Nice in March. His Grand Tour debut at the Giro d'Italia in May saw him claim his first Grand Tour stage win in Napoli, a testament to his sprinting prowess.
Kooij is now set to join Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale on a three-year deal, reportedly with a salary of €3 million. He will be supported by a new leadout train, with the Tour de France likely on his schedule.
What do you think about Kooij's move? Do you believe he made the right decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
