Kooij doesn't hide green ambitions in Tour de France, but reveals other targets: 'It's a big change'

Decathlon looks to be entering a new chapter after parting ways with AG2R and assembling an entire sprint train. The focal point of that transition: Olav Kooij. The Dutchman arrives with a full lead-out squad and says it gives him huge motivation and energy. The main objective? Winning, and claiming green in the Tour de France; but he also has real ambitions for the spring, he told IDL Procycling and other media.

“I obviously hope to win a lot with this new team over the coming years,” Kooij said during the team presentation, where IDL Procycling was present. “I’m looking forward to this new challenge.” The rider from Dutch town Numansdorp leaves Visma | Lease a Bike behind, with the lack of Tour de France-guarantees at the Killer Bees playing a role in his decision.

When asked during the presentation - in which Decathlon CMA CGM also laid out its 2026 objectives - whether he could confirm he will be at the Grand Départ in Barcelona, a broad smile spread across his face. “I can,” laughed Kooij, prompting a big round of applause. “We want to win there, of course.” Team principal Dominique Serieys had already stated that the green jersey is the ambition with the Dutch sprinter.

Kooij also explained that he has additional goals. “I also hope to win a classic such as Gent–Wevelgem. We have a lot of goals and I’m excited to chase them,” he said. In the mixed zone he elaborated further. “I think I can grow step by step in that area,” he told us while discussing his classics ambitions.

'I already came close in races like that," the sprinter knows. In Gent–Wevelgem he has finished sixth and eighth before. “We’ll see what we can do as a team in Opening Weekend (Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne) and in Wevelgem, but also whether I can deliver a strong result myself.” The ambition, clearly, stretches well beyond the Tour.

Kooij is far from the only newcomer at his new squad. An entire sprint train has been assembled, with the Dutchman as the designated sprint leader. “I think it’s a big change. We see that many new riders have joined, also more international riders,” he said.

He already knew several of the Dutch riders and has confidence in the quality that has come in. “They are riders with great abilities, and I think that means we now have a very strong group capable of achieving big results,” Kooij added.

And that sprint train will be crucial. “A big part of winning a sprint is how you enter the sprint. They have the right experience and we already have good chemistry. Hopefully we can build on that in the spring.”

Another major attraction at the team presentation: Paul Seixas. The French prodigy drew plenty of media attention, which is no surprise given his rapid rise. “He is obviously impressive. I was watching the European Championships on the couch,” Kooij said, recalling Seixas’ bronze medal.

It’s great to see such a huge talent on the bike and keeping up with the very best. I’m curious to see where he goes, and I hope he enjoys the journey. So far he’s very chill and has a really good attitude,” Kooij added. Whether we will see Seixas alongside the Numansdorp sprinter at the Tour remains uncertain - the young Frenchman has yet to confirm a Tour debut.

One thing is certain: after several seasons with Visma, Kooij begins a fresh adventure with Decathlon CMA CGM. “It feels like a new chapter. I’m looking forward to the change. There are many new people and therefore a new dynamic. That gives me a lot of energy,” the Leopard of Numansdorp concluded.