Boost for Decathlon CMA CGM - Tiesj Benoot set for team debut at Tour de Suisse after surgery

Tiesj Benoot signed with Decathlon CMA CGM over winter, but is yet to officially make his debut with team after suffering a a herniated disc in his back, which required surgery. A versatile rider with remarkable consistency, the French team have been working hard to ensure his return with the Tour de France in mind.

HLN reports that Benoot is training at altitude with the team in Sierra Nevada, and is set to make his first appearance for his new team at next month's Tour de Suisse, where Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel are pinned to also start.

Earlier this month, Benoot was allowed to increase his training load to the level necessary for professional cycling, and since last Sunday, he has reportedly been in the Sierra Nevada for an altitude training camp with teammates, including Sander De Pestel, Robbe Ghys and Paul Seixas.

With Seixas now confirmed for the Tour de France, the team will use Benoot's Switzerland outing as a testing ground for his Tour de France suitability. If deemed in good enough shape, Benoot is expected to ride in service of the 19-year-old in his first grand tour.

It comes after news emerged that Olav Kooij is set to also make his debut for the team after a virus wiped out his early season plans. Signing from Team Visma | Lease a Bike as one of the most highly-anticipated transfers of the season, the 24-year-old came with eleven wins in 2025.

As a frustrating virus begins to clear, Kooij and his team are plotting a carefully planned return, kicking off next week in France. The Dutchman will start the four-day stage race Boucles de la Mayenne from May 28th to June 1st.

After his return, he's expected to head off to an altitude training camp to work on his high-end power with the Tour of Belgium the next planned outing from June 17th to 21st.