Olav Kooij makes early switch within Team Jumbo-Visma
Olav Kooij makes an immediate move from the Development Team of Team Jumbo-Visma to the World Tour team. The 19-year old Dutchman is a promising rider who can stand his ground in both the sprint and classic races. In the decimated previous season he was successful no less than six times. Initially, the idea was to transfer him to the main team in the middle of this season. Within all ranks of Team Jumbo-Visma there was the conviction that it was wise to speed up that process with a few months.
Merijn Zeeman, sportive director at Team Jumbo-Visma, explains why the talented rider will strengthen the pro ranks earlier: “With Olav we propose a balanced talent development programme. Not only do we look at his race programme, but also, for example, at his preparation and his specific role in a race. Unfortunately more and more races are dropped from our development team programme and at the same time more space is created in the pro programme by the temporary loss of riders. This creates a situation for Olav in which a transfer is the best contribution to his training and development.”
"By taking this step now I am more assured of riding races and that is an important part of my development."
Kooij is happy with the opportunity offered to him and sees his programme being supplemented with professional races in the near future. “In the professional races I can learn a lot. I take all that experience with me. By taking this step now I am more assured of riding races and that is an important part of my development. I won't see my teammates from the Development Team as much now, but I will still see them at training camps and races with the mixed team. I also hope to see them again in the World Tour team soon.”
According to Head of Development Robbert de Groot, Kooij is ready for the switch. “Olav has developed in a stormy way in recent months. Therefore this is a responsible and logical next step. As a development team, we are very proud and happy about that.”
Kooij will make his debut for the World Tour team in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.
