"It is always better to race with Wout than against him" - Olav Kooij is not afraid of bigger names on the start of European Championships

Olav Kooij appears to be the Dutchman with the greatest chance of success at the European Championships in Drenthe on Sunday. However, he himself does not speak of absolute leadership.

"I think we are here with a strong team, not necessarily with one leader," he told WielerFlits. Kooij himself expects to race defensively rather than offensively. "But we all know that this is a circuit where it is better to be in the race than to chase as a team. I think we have several boys who are suitable for that role and who also have chances from possibly a small group."

The top favorite for the European title is Kooij's Jumbo-Visma teammate Wout van Aert. The Dutchman is not afraid of the Belgian, he says. "But it is always better to race with Wout than against him. He is of course one of the contenders on every course. The Belgians will again have a strong team on Sunday. They will certainly play a major role."

Finally, Kooij answered the question of who he expects on the podium. "A Belgian, a Dane and a Dutchman, but I won't say in what order," laughed the 21-year-old rider.