Saying goodbye to a cycling legend is never easy, especially when it’s someone who’s left an indelible mark on the sport. Team Visma | Lease a Bike is bidding farewell to Olav Kooij, one of its most prolific riders of the decade, and the cycling world is taking notice. But here’s where it gets emotional—Olav’s journey from the Development Team to the WorldTour is a story of grit, talent, and unyielding determination that the team will always cherish. At just 24, Kooij has amassed an astonishing 47 professional wins since joining the team in February 2021, yet his absence from the Tour de France and the lack of full leadership opportunities ultimately led him to seek new horizons. Now, as he moves to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale in a three-year deal reportedly worth €3 million, the question lingers: Was this a missed opportunity for Visma, or the perfect next step for Kooij?
Olav’s rise began in 2020 when he joined the team at just 18, fresh off two stellar years as a junior. His debut was nothing short of spectacular. In his first four races, he secured three victories and a second-place finish, immediately proving he was a force to be reckoned with. This early success earned him a professional contract after just a year and two months in the development ranks. But it wasn’t just his sprinting prowess that caught everyone’s attention. Kooij’s ability to conquer short, explosive climbs set him apart, showcasing versatility that few sprinters possess. One standout moment was the 2023 European Championships, where he joined teammates Christophe Laporte and Wout van Aert on the podium after a grueling finish on the VAM-berg.
Despite his undeniable talent, Kooij’s path to the Tour de France was often overshadowed by the team’s focus on overall wins, with Wout van Aert frequently taking the spotlight in sprint opportunities. Yet, in a remarkably short time, Kooij built a palmarès that any rider would envy: three stage wins at the Giro d’Italia, five at the Tour de Pologne, three at Paris-Nice, seven at the Tour of Britain, and victories in one-day races like the Cyclassics Hamburg and Clasica de Almeria. And this is the part most people miss—Kooij achieved all this while competing almost exclusively in WorldTour races, where the competition is relentless.
His 2024 season was a testament to his resilience. After securing a stage win in the UAE Tour, he added two more victories in Paris-Nice. In May, he made his Grand Tour debut at the Giro d’Italia, clinching his first-ever Grand Tour stage win in Napoli with a breathtaking sprint against Jonathan Milan. Now, as he joins Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale with a brand-new leadout team, the Tour de France is likely on his radar. But here’s the controversial question: Could Visma have done more to retain him, or is his move a natural evolution of his career?
Team Visma’s farewell message sums it up beautifully: ‘From next year on, he will join Decathlon–CMA CGM Team, and we wish Olav all the best for the future. His rise from the Development Team to the WorldTour is something we will always share.’ As Kooij embarks on this new chapter, one thing is certain—his legacy at Visma will endure. But what do you think? Did Visma miss an opportunity, or is this the perfect next step for Olav Kooij? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
