Dylan van Baarle is confident in Olav Kooij's selection for World Championships: "He has proven this spring that he can handle the distance"

Dylan van Baarle is currently cruising French mainland in service of Jumbo-Visma leader and maillot jaune wearer - Jonas Vingegaard. However Van Baarle is already eyeing first week of August where he is due to lead Dutch national selection along Mathieu van der Poel and, quite suprisingly, Olav Kooij in a lineup that was announced earlier today.

"It's not a big surprise to me," says Van Baarle in a quick interview. "He has proven in Gent-Wevelgem this spring that he can handle the distance," continues the Dutch champion. Kooij finished eighth in that race, finishing second in the sprint of the peloton.

"He also rode a strong Dutch Championship, so the form is there. He's a card we can play. Olav is super fast. It will be his first World Cup, so we will see in the race how that will turn out. But I have confidence in him," Van Baarle concludes.