"It will be me, Robbe and Cees" Olav Kooij’s lead-out train is being fine-tuned for the Tour

Last season began with a victory in his very first race of the year and ended with his departure from the team that had been his home for the past five years. Dutch rider Daan Hoole left the American Lidl-Trek to join the French Decathlon CMA CGM Team.

The decision, however, was far from simple. Speaking to DirectVelo, he admitted that he went through a long period of reflection before making the final move. “I doubted my choice for a long time,” he confessed.

“And maybe even after making my decision, I still doubted it at times. It’s a really great team and I felt very good there. I had a very good relationship with everyone on the team. But it also felt like a new step to move on. Once the decision is made, you have to fully commit to it.”

What ultimately convinced him was the sense of structural growth and ambition within the French outfit. In early discussions, the Dutch rider found clear signs of professional and development. “In the discussions, they showed they are a very professional team. I think over the past few years they’ve progressed enormously, becoming stronger and stronger,” he explained.

When comparing his new team to the one he rode for in recent seasons, he sees clear parallels in their trajectory. “I think they are on a similar path, with a clear positive trend: better sponsors, a better budget and better riders every year. And now I’m part of that.”

Within the new structure, his role is well defined, particularly in supporting the team’s lead sprinter. The Dutch rider will be part of Olav Kooij’s lead-out train, in a system built on organisation and flexibility.

“In order, it will be me, Robbe and Cees. The two can switch roles sometimes. We’ll have to bring him as close as possible to the final kilometre,” he explained, describing the setup designed to underpin Decathlon’s sprint ambitions.

The season will begin with a slight delay for the Dutch sprinter, who was affected by a virus that disrupted the start of his preparation. Even so, the objectives are clearly defined.

“The first goal will be to succeed with the sprint train. Then, in the Classics, I want to go as far as possible to try to get results or help my teammates achieve them. Paris-Roubaix will be the big target. The Tour de France with Olav will also be very important.”