"Kooij's arrival will change the way we race": Paris-Roubaix revelation embraces a new role in the growing Decathlon

Decathlon CMA GCM Team put their network staff to work during the past transfer market to secure a notable boost to the team's overall strength. While the arrival of young sprinter Olav Kooij was perhaps window-defining, however the recruitments of Tiesj Benoot, Matthew Riccitello or recent Tour Down Under stage winner Tobias Lund Andresen massively improve the team's ability to compete in the world's biggest races. For the rest of the team, it's both good and bad news.

Speaking to Cyclism'Actu, time trialist Stefan Bissegger tries to outline the positives, among which the unlocked new level of competitiveness definitely stands out. The Swissman himself enjoyed a breakthrough at the cobbles, having finished 7th in Paris-Roubaix. And much more was on table he believes:

"The first part was positive with Paris-Roubaix, even though unfortunately I had that puncture when a podium finish, or even better, was possible. It was a bit frustrating."

However the second half of the year was quickly marred by Tour de France crash, causing Bissegger to sit out most of the summer: "But I had a good Paris-Tours at the very end of the season; I was there to fight for a top-five finish," his season concluded on a positive note.

Whereas in his first year with the French formation, Bissegger had freedom in many racing scenarios, that is bound to change now with Kooij and Benoot on-board. "His arrival will change the way we race. We're a big team now. We'll have to take control of the race. When he's there, he'll want a sprint. That changes things. We haven't talked about it yet; it's still pretty open."

It's not only Kooij. With him arrived two sprint train pieces in the form of Cees Bol and Robbe Ghys. Bissegger might then get to work quite early at times. "He's brought three guys with him. I might be the one in front of them. It'll be up to him to say what he wants. I can, of course, help out."

But not all hope is lost. While the experienced Benoot might assume most leadership opportunities on cobbles, the Belgian has enough qualities to work in a pair with another protected rider. And then there's one more incoming transfer that should further bolster Decathlon's cobbles team: the two-meter giant Daan Hoole. And Bissegger looks forward to racing alongside a fellow time trial specialist.

"We'll be able to work together, whereas last year I was all alone after Arenberg. It's still a long way to the finish."

On the Hell of the North, the Swiss rider is therefore setting no limits for himself and is making it one of his main objectives for the season: "A successful season would mean getting a podium finish in Roubaix and winning time trial titles… I know I can win in big races."

All these new arrivals signal the start of a new era for the French team, which pleases the Swiss rider: "It's changing in the right direction, we're progressing. We have more staff, we've improved areas that were a little weaker last year, like nutrition. There are also new people working on aerodynamics."

Having joined in 2025, Stefan Bissegger is now certain he made the right decision: "If you do your own research, you can see which direction a team is heading. Decathlon was the best choice I could have made."