Olav Kooij is back in action this week at the Baloise Belgium Tour after his withdrawal from the Giro d’Italia. The 22-year-old sprinter has an extra incentive to perform well in the five-day race as there might still be a chance for him to be selected for the Tour de France.
You might remember Kooij’s triumph in the Giro d’Italia’s ninth stage against Jonathan Milan. However, he was struck by illness during the race and had to abandon it. Despite this setback, Kooij is feeling good and excited to be back on the bike. He took some time off to recover fully and gradually get back into training after the illness took a toll on him.
Although winning a stage in the Giro was a significant achievement for Kooij, the illness dampened the celebration. He mentioned that the joy of victory was short-lived due to his poor health. Nevertheless, he is looking forward to seizing the opportunities in the Baloise Belgium Tour, where he will be competing against top sprinters like Jasper Philipsen, Tim Merlier, Gerben Thijssen, and Fabio Jakobsen.
Regarding a possible participation in the Tour de France, Kooij is open to the idea if the team calls upon him. He understands the uncertainties surrounding the team’s selection and is prepared to be ready if the opportunity arises. Despite not initially planning for the Tour, Kooij is willing to step up if needed and showcase his abilities at the highest level of cycling.
Kooij’s positive attitude and readiness to take on new challenges demonstrate his determination to succeed in the sport. Whether he secures a spot in the Tour de France or focuses on other races, Kooij’s passion for cycling shines through, and fans can expect to see more exciting performances from the young Dutch sprinter in the future.