Dutch team review: Kooij and Van der Poel’s insights capture the European Championship spirit

On Sunday, the Netherlands likely started with the strongest team at the European Championship cycling event in Belgian Limburg, but ultimately had to settle for second place with Olav Kooij. However, there was little to criticize about the tactics of the 'Holland 8,' as the Dutch riders were prominently visible and had the race well under control until the chaotic final kilometer.

After the race, we gathered the conclusions from Duracell Mathieu van der Poel and finisher Kooij. Van der Poel nailed it on the head. "The tactic was to always have someone up front so we wouldn't have to chase from behind. I think we executed that well," said the world champion. "But this is still disappointing, I think. We should have positioned Olav better, but it was quite hectic."

Kooij, who likely had the fastest sprint of all, mostly reflected on the race. "We were constantly present, even in the hilly section. Italy and Belgium also spent a lot of energy there. It's easy to say afterwards that things should have been different, but I think we had a very good race. It's also up to me to be in a good position, so it's even more frustrating that it didn’t work out."

Defense: broad orange shoulders carry the weight of the race

When we review the Dutch riders one by one, we start with the workhorses: Oscar Riesebeek, Pascal Eenkhoorn, and Daan Hoole. "These are guys of immeasurable value. It might be less visible on TV, but they are praised within their team for this reason. They always ride in service of the team, so it's natural that you don't see them in the final hour," said national coach Koos Moerenhout to us before the World Championship.

Moerenhout was, however, positively mistaken in this regard. All three riders stayed in the race until the final phase and fulfilled their roles with distinction. Eenkhoorn and Hoole joined important attacks multiple times, took turns at the front, and ensured that the team leaders never had to ask for water or other necessities. Riesebeek, on the other hand, was crucial in positioning for important points and fought valiantly until the final stages.

In the last ten kilometers, these gentlemen also made sure the train was set up in the group of 55 riders remaining after the hilly section.

Midfield: did exactly what was expected of them

In the midfield of the Dutch team, we count Mike Teunissen, Danny van Poppel, and Mick van Dijke. "For this type of race, these riders have the right build, especially since they also have a good sprint in their legs," explained Moerenhout about these three before the European Championship. "That makes you effective on a circuit like this, and we need to make use of that. However, it also depends on the course of the race, so we need to be flexible."

Van Dijke was ultimately the only Dutch rider who did not survive the Limburg loop, but he had already neutralized several attempts in the preceding phase. The Zeeuw was not in top form heading into this European Championship due to a serious crash in the Renewi Tour and subsequent illness, which was the main reason he was not among the leaders in Hasselt.

Teunissen and Van Poppel did exactly what was expected of them. Both riders were part of the large group of eighteen that escaped and also made some strong efforts, with Mads Pedersen particularly eager to respond. In the end, Van Poppel was in the last group that was caught, which allowed Teunissen to take on the lead-out role.

However, Kooij could not find him in the chaotic final stages. "I noticed that Mike was there, but we decided to wait, and we never came back together to make our move. They were also a bit behind me, among the riders who were dropping back from the front. That made it quite difficult to keep track and find each other again," he said after the race.

Attacker: Van der Poel lives up to his role, Kooij just misses the goal

The two attackers for the Dutch team were Van der Poel and Kooij. The former was like a relentless Ronny, chasing every ball and playing opportunistically, while the latter was more of a crafty option, waiting for his chance. "The hilly section is quite challenging and can make the race attractive and tough. If it comes down to a sprint, you might see different things in that sprint," Moerenhout said in anticipation of the European Championship.

The Dutch succeeded in this role, with Van der Poel leading the way. He ignited the pace 112 kilometers from the finish, which only finally subsided in the last twenty kilometers. In between, there were surges after surges, but ultimately he had to conclude that it was an unfair fight against the Belgians and Italians on this course.

"I did what I could do," said the world champion. "I think this was the plan, and then at the end, the whole team for Olav. We knew it would be difficult. I had already done my part along the way, and I think he doesn’t sprint badly," Van der Poel commented.

Kooij ultimately failed to find his teammates and the perfect line. "I had a good kick, but Tim was quick, and it was hard to make up for that. The feeling was good and I was close, so I’m disappointed. Last year I was happy with my third place, but not this time. That makes it a bitter pill to swallow," he said in his verdict. A final judgment that is purely positive, but in the sprint preparation casino, just didn’t come up green.