Olav Kooij once again had a very good season in 2024. Winner of 8 races, including 7 in the WorldTour, and for the first time winner in a Grand Tour on the occasion of the Tour of Italythe Dutchman once again demonstrated that he was one of the best sprinters in the world. With such a track record, at only 23 years old, everything suggests that Kooy could soon shine on the roads of Tour de Francebut internal competition at Visma | Lease a Bike is very strong, with the presence of superstars such as Jonas Vingegaard, Wout van Aert &What.
Video – Olav Kooij's victory at the Giro
“I also need to think about what I want for the future and where I would be best”
During an interview given to our colleagues from Cyclingnews, Kooy discussed his chances of making his debut on the Tour in 2025: “Oh, I have no idea. I think it's maybe not the most likely scenario. But I think it's probably being considered in the discussions about how we want to approach the Tour with the team and on our approach for the other Grand Tours, knowing the team, they will look at all the possibilities and decide, in the end, what they think is the best choice. Its program for 2025 remains unknown for the moment: “In the coming weeks or during the December camp, we will discuss the racing program and our goals for the season.” Milan-Sanremo and a few Classics are probably on the program, as is a return to the Tour of Italy or a discovery of The Return.
“I am mainly focusing on next year, arriving already in good shape for the spring classics and then for a Grand Tour. Of course, I also have to think about what I want for the future and where I would be the best. But for now, I'm really, really happy with the team.”he explains, especially since the Dutch team recruited a specialist pilot fish to surround him, in the presence of Dan McLay. “I'm really excited. He's someone I can learn from through his experience as well. I think a big part of what makes a good pilot fish is experience. It's not not an easy job for young riders we see a lot of young people coming in, but for this specific role you really need to have the experience to make the right decisions at the right time. I can't wait to start working with him.“, he concludes.
