Decathlon makes major move with signing of Kooij
Dutch sprinter Olav Kooij will transfer to Decathlon CMA CGM in 2026 signing a contract until 2028, marking a significant move for the rising star currently riding with Visma | Lease a Bike.
"I am really looking forward to join Decathlon CMA CGM in 2026 and a new chapter in my career," Kooij said in the teams announcement. "I look forward to start working together with the team on future goals and new challenges. We share great ambition to perform on the highest level which hopefully adds to many more victories in the coming years."
The move represents a major acquisition for the French squad, which has been strengthening its roster since title sponsor Decathlon came aboard. Kooij has established himself as one of cycling's most promising young sprinters with multiple WorldTour victories already to his name.
At just 23 years old, the Dutchman has already claimed impressive wins including stages at the Giro d'Italia, Tour of Britain, and multiple victories in Paris-Nice. His fast finish and tactical awareness have marked him as a sprinter with potential to challenge for victories in the sport's biggest races, including the Tour de France, which Kooij was not selected for in his time at Visma.
Kooij will remain with Visma | Lease a Bike until the end of 2025 before making the switch, with Kooij fresh off of the back of three stage wins and providing a text book leadout for Matthew Brennan at the Tour of Britain.
The signing of Kooij, yet again signals Decathlon CMA CGM's intent to build a squad capable of competing across multiple race formats, adding a pure sprinter to complement their existing strengths with the team potentially set to lose 2019 green jersey winner, Sam Bennett.
Kooij will be joined by current, fellow Visma | Lease a Bike rider, Tiesj Benoot in 2026, with the duo having the potential to also revamp Decathlon's classics squad including races such as Gent-Wevelgem and Milan-Sanremo for Kooij, and races such as the Tour of Flanders for Benoot.
