🎥 Behrens the pace setter, McLay the engine and Gaviria the unintentional ally: How Kooij took his first win of 2025

Olav Kooij wasted no time in securing his first victory of 2025, turning just his second race day of the season into gold. The Visma | Lease a Bike sprinter finished off a perfectly executed lead-out by his teammates in the opening stage of the Tour of Oman and was understandably thrilled afterward. "This stage suited me, but that won’t be the case in the coming days. So, this win is great for my confidence."

Kooij was asked by the TV interviewer in Oman to reflect on the race. "We really wanted to go for this stage, so we took control early on. I have to thank my teammates just for making sure it ended in a sprint. After that, I had an incredible lead-in to the final few hundred meters—then it was up to me. I found the right wheel and was able to launch my sprint at the perfect moment."

And what a setup it was. Pietro Mattio, the young Italian normally racing for Visma | Lease a Bike’s development team, spent the entire day solo chasing a four-man breakaway. Later, it was Steven Kruijswijk’s job to keep the team at the front before Nikias Behrens and Dan McLay delivered a flawless lead-out for their sprinter. It wasn’t an easy task, especially considering Visma | Lease a Bike had lost one of its seven riders, Jorgen Nordhagen, to illness before the start, leaving them a man down.

Behrens—wearing a closed helmet, something Kooij jokingly pointed out afterward—kept the pace high and controlled, even after a close call with a Movistar rider. His work ensured Kooij could position himself on Fernando Gaviria’s wheel with 1 km to go, just as McLay kicked off the final acceleration. And Gaviria’s wheel? A great one to follow, as the Colombian is known for launching his sprint early. "I know Fernando is fast, but he went early, and I was able to follow him. That gave me the perfect opportunity to capitalize," said Kooij, proving once again his sharp race instincts.

Read more below the video!

Kooij not immediately thinking of defending leader's jersey in Oman

And just like that, Olav Kooij turned his second race day in Oman into a victory, adding another win to his name at just 23 years old. "Every race has its own unique elements, and this one is no different. But after yesterday’s Muscat Classic (won by Rick Pluimers), we quickly adapted and adjusted to the race conditions," said Kooij, who did not finish the one-day event.

Saturday and Sunday will bring more challenging stages, where Visma | Lease a Bike is expected to shift its focus to Cian Uijtdebroeks, especially after Jorgen Nordhagen’s withdrawal. "Climbing is tougher for me. This stage suited me well, but the next few days won’t be as favorable," Kooij admitted. "We’ll see how it goes. Right now, I have the leader’s jersey, so we’re going to enjoy this win first. Then, we’ll decide how to approach the next stage." Stage 2 will take the peloton to Yitti Hills, where the punchers will likely take center stage in Oman.

Read also

Van der Poel and Nys criticized for going skiing: "Not recommended for a spring rider"

Eight (!) teams send riders home after Bessèges debacle; UCI intervenes, union wants to assist organizers

Optimistic Van Aert sets two major goals for 2025: "Then I'll take the rest of the year off"

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get every week the latest news about CYCLING in your inbox!

Subscribe