SEG Cycling brings Olav Kooij, Daan Hoole, Cees Bol and Robbe Ghys to Decathlon CMA CGM

Decathlon CMA CGM is starting an ambitious new chapter and one of the main priorities was clear: they wanted a top sprinter. Olav Kooij was identified as the number one target.

Decathlon CMA CGM sees Giro stage winner and Dutch national champion Daan Hoole as a key figure for time trials and classics, as well as an important part of Kooij’s lead-out train.

For Cees Bol, joining Decathlon CMA CGM will be a new big step after successfully completing the Cavendish 35 project at Astana. He will be reunited with fellow Dutchman Kooij and former teammate Hoole. Robbe Ghys has proven himself in recent years as one of the most experienced lead-out specialists, serving riders like Jasper Philipsen and Kaden Groves in the past.

With this group, Decathlon CMA CGM is building a sprint unit that will serve as the new face of the team. At the same time, the riders will have the freedom to chase their own ambitions in individual races. The project has a long-term character, with time and space being given to grow into a world-class and stable sprint collective.

Olav Kooij said: "Together with SEG Cycling, we explored the best options to help me achieve my goals. The Decathlon CMA CGM project aligns perfectly with my ambitions for the coming years. The high-performance environment at Decathlon CMA CGM, combined with a strong race programme and solid support, offers the ideal setting to chase victories. I’m really looking forward to this new chapter!"

Daan Hoole said: “I chose this project because it’s something truly new and ambitious. It feels extra special to do this together with two Dutch friends of mine. The collaboration with SEG Cycling around this deal went very smoothly and professionally, which gave me a lot of confidence from the very beginning. Of course, it will take some time to adapt to a new team and environment, but I’m really looking forward to it. We are super ambitious and dedicated to making this a big success.”

Cees Bol said: “Early in the year, the SEG Cycling guys kept me well informed about the project with Olav. As things became more concrete, I realised this was a great opportunity for me. It’s fantastic to be part of such an ambitious project. It’s always exciting to make a move to a new team, and I look forward to getting to know everyone — but most of all, to starting the project and making it a success.”

Robbe Ghys said: “I reached out to SEG Cycling because my contract was ending and I wanted solid guidance for the next step in my career. The feeling was immediately right, and I could see how experienced and skilled they are. They presented a full project with exciting prospects. I’m really looking forward to the next three years. The past year was tough with many setbacks and difficult moments. I want to return to my absolute top level — and beyond.”

SEG Cycling Director Eelco Berkhout said: ‘’We are happy to have played a supporting role in helping shape the team’s long-term plans. For Olav Kooij, participating in the Tour de France was a firm requirement. He had a great time at Visma, but his sporting goals lay elsewhere — and Decathlon CMA CGM could provide the certainty he needed.”

SEG Cycling Rider Agent Bart van Haaren: “The negotiations were extensive, especially with multiple riders involved. It was a complex deal, but also a special journey — one that underlines the international ambitions of our riders.”