"I look back on a good season in which I achieved a number of nice victories", Kooij starts. The Numansdorper was able to take victory eight times in 2024 and captured a silver medal at both the National Championships and the European Championships. ‘In general, I can be satisfied with the performances I put in, but just like the team, I also experienced some ups and downs. For example, I had to deal with an injury and had to leave the Giro early due to illness. Nevertheless, many great moments remain."

Kooij kicked off 2024 by winning the Clasica de Almeria in February. He then triumphed in the UAE Tour and twice in Paris-Nice. He experienced his highlight on 12 May by winning the ninth stage of the Giro d'Italia in Napoli. "I like to think back to that", Kooij says. "Winning there gave me a lot of confidence and confirmation that I can win at the very highest level. You really have to be on the edge to get a stage win in a race like that."

The day after his stage win, Kooij became ill and could not continue. Once recovered, he won two stages in the Tour of Poland and the BEMER Cyclassics in Hamburg. A knee injury caused Kooij to end his season early. Despite the physical misery, Kooij is satisfied with the progress he has made. "Compared to last year, I have become stronger and faster, but I have also learned the necessary things on the tactical level."

Kooij, who made the switch from the Development Team to Team Visma | Lease a Bike's WorldTour team in 2021, knows what it takes to win a sprint. "With sprinting, it's not only about who has the fastest sprint, but it's also important to make the right decisions at the right time. The experiences I have gained in recent years helped me to become a better rider."

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And with that, Kooij immediately pinpoints his most important goal for 2025: to become a better rider. The sprinter wants to continue the upward curve and reach his best level during the big races. During the opening weekend, Kooij is eager to be in good shape. ‘I'm looking forward to making my debut in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. That is one of the classics where the sprinters get opportunities."

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After the opening weekend, Kooij heads to Tirreno-Adriatico, after which he will ride Milan-Sanremo, Classic Brugge-De Panne and Gent-Wevelgem. "That's a nice block of racing. I'm going to do everything I can to win one of these classics." Like last year, his main goal is set in May. The 23-year-old sprinter takes part in his second Giro. "I'm happy to go back to Italy. It is a very nice race and I hope to be successful there again."

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