The stage race's course is not much different from previous editions. The riders will face two uphill arrivals, an individual time trial and four flat stages. It is the perfect opportunity for Kooij to show off his sprinting skills.

Kooij, at twenty years the youngest rider in the Team Jumbo-Visma World Tour team, looks back on last season with a positive feeling. “I finished 2021 well with beautiful victories and places of honour. That helped me to go into the winter with a good feeling. Now, in my second year as a pro, I want to take a new step. I have already won some smaller races, but now I want to compete for the victory in World Tour races. That’s my goal for next season.”

The Dutchman from the province of South Holland will regularly lead the sprints this season. “That is something every sprinter wants. You gain confidence in races. If there are opportunities, you have to take them. On paper, there are already four sprint opportunities. This race is a nice start to the season. Of course, I will go for good results, but it is also a good opportunity to work with my teammates to set up a good sprint train.”

Jos van Emden and Timo Roosen are the designated men to assist Kooij in the preparation for the sprint. Tom Dumoulin, Koen Bouwman and Chris Harper complete the team.