False start 2026 for Olav Kooij at new team Decathlon CMA-CGM

Kooij was supposed to be — like the rest of the squad — available to the media on Friday in Benidorm, Spain, but instead spent the day in bed. “Olav Kooij has suffered a setback in his preparation,” the team said. “The team’s medical staff has decided that Olav must rest fully to optimise his recovery.

“The Dutch rider has caught a virus, which means his debut in his new colours is postponed.” It is not known which virus he is suffering from, and for privacy reasons, Decathlon CMA CGM cannot say much more about it.

Kooij would normally have gone with his new sprint train — consisting of Daan Hoole, Cees Bol and Robbe Ghys — on a sprint training camp in early February and then made his season debut at the UAE Tour. After that, the Openings Weekend and Paris–Nice were on his provisional schedule.

“In consultation with his coach and the team’s medical staff, Olav has drawn up an extensive recovery protocol to restore his full physical capabilities as soon as possible,” Decathlon CMA CGM said.