Olav Kooij has committed his future to Decathlon CMA CGM, signing a three-year deal that will see him lead the French team in the biggest sprint stages from 2026 onwards. At just 23 years old, the Dutchman already has 46 professional victories to his name and arrives as one of the most established fast men in the peloton.
“I am really looking forward to join Decathlon CMA CGM in 2026 and a new chapter in my career,” Kooij said. “We share great ambition to perform on the highest level which hopefully adds to many more victories in the coming years.”
Photo Credit: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.comA proven winner joins the project
Kooij’s arrival strengthens Decathlon’s growing ambitions. The team have been steadily reinforcing their roster and now add a rider who has consistently won across a wide variety of races. In 2025 alone, he claimed ten victories, including three stages of the Giro d’Italia, plus stage wins at Tirreno-Adriatico, the Tour de Pologne, the Renewi Tour, the Tour of Oman, and three in last week’s Tour of Britain.
That record gives Decathlon a proven sprinter with the ability to deliver repeatedly against WorldTour opposition. Importantly, the move also opens the door for Kooij to target the Tour de France, where he is expected to be given full backing for stage wins.
Building a new sprint train
Decathlon are not just signing Kooij but also assembling the support he needs. Both Cees Bol and Robbe Ghys will join him, forming the backbone of a sprint train designed to guide their new leader into position. “With the group around Olav we will have the ambition to win races at the highest level,” Bol explained. Ghys added: “The trust I feel from this team gives me the sense of being at home. I’m really excited to start working toward the coming year.”
Looking ahead
The signing of Kooij signals Decathlon’s intent to compete at the very highest level in bunch sprints, providing the team with a clear focal point for the next three seasons. With a sprint train being built around him and Tour de France opportunities on the horizon, Kooij’s next chapter promises to be the most defining yet.
Main photo credit: Getty
