Olav Kooij increasingly aims for the big races: "That seems a very nice step"

Visma | Lease a Bike is leaving the challenging year of 2024 behind him, but that is not how Kooij looks back on his season. "I look back on a good season in which I achieved a number of nice victories so that I can be satisfied with that. In general, I can be satisfied with the performances I put in, but just like the team, I also experienced some ups and downs. For example, I had to deal with an injury and had to leave the Giro early due to illness. Nevertheless, many great moments remain, like the spring I rode with victories in the UAE Tour and Paris-Nice. My Giro victory in Napoli was also among the highlights."

Kooij only turns 24 this year, yet he is already starting his fourth year with Visma | Lease a Bike's WorldTour team. "Compared to last year, I have become stronger and faster, but I have also learned the necessary things on the tactical level."

"With sprinting, it's not only about who has the fastest sprint, but it's also important to make the right decisions at the right time. The sprinter wants to continue the upward curve and reach his best level during the big races." And with that, Kooij immediately pinpoints his most important goal for 2025: to become a better rider

So where are we going to see Kooij in action next season? "I will start with some races in February, where I want to start well immediately. Then, I want to ride well from the Opening Weekend until Gent-Wevelgem, and I'm looking forward to making my debut in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. That is one of the classics where the sprinters get opportunities. After the opening weekend, Kooij heads to Tirreno-Adriatico, where he will ride Milan-Sanremo, Classic Brugge-De Panne, and Gent-Wevelgem. Then I start preparing for the Giro. Hopefully, I can take my chances, although it always depends on race scenarios as well."

"I'm happy to go back to Italy," said the sprinter, who will start there alongside Wout van Aert and Simon Yates. "It is a very nice race and I hope to be successful there again. That gives confidence because winning a stage in a grand tour is never easy. And if I can win a classic somewhere, that would also be very nice. Later in the season I will also have some goals," the Dutch rider shared his ambitions.

Dan McLay will be his lead-out in the hectic sprints this year. "We have a strong team with many good riders. There are some new guys in there now. We also have some new options in the sprints, so hopefully, they can help us win again. They are motivated guys, and I think they will be valuable."