The Dutch have won the general classification of the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix twice. In 2021, Marijn van den Berg triumphed, and the previous edition was claimed by Olav Kooij. Even then, everything indicated that we were witnessing a future sprint star. Last year, the Dutchman secured additional stage victories in the Tour de Pologne!

The best sprinters in the world visit Poland annually, where they compete on the Tour de Pologne route. Each edition of the race offers dynamic cyclists a chance to shine in flat finishes. The 81st Tour de Pologne was no exception, as sprinters battled for stage wins in Prudnik, Katowice, and Kraków.

Olav Kooij was the best on two occasions, confirming his position among the world’s top sprinters. The

Dutchman from Team Visma | Lease a Bike, at just 23 years old, already boasts four stage wins in the Tour de Pologne, a stage victory in the Giro d’Italia, three stages in Paris-Nice, and the WorldTour one-day race BEMER Cyclassics.

– I have good memories of Poland, and it was nice to return here. We have a strong team, and we aim for both the general classification and sprints. Racing in this way motivates everyone to achieve the best possible result. I’m glad I was able to win today, and the team did a fantastic job to make it easier for me – said Olav Kooij after his victory in Prudnik.

Good memories are not only tied to previous appearances in the Tour de Pologne, where he won one stage each year consecutively, but also to the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix. The second edition of the youth competition, held in Rzeszów and its surroundings, was also claimed by the Dutchman. As a first-year under-23 rider, he, along with his national teammates, won the team time trial, and the next day, he left no doubt to his rivals in the finish in Rzeszów. Interestingly, as a junior, Olav Kooij also won the prestigious race in Grudziądz for riders of that age category.

– The ORLEN Nations Grand Prix serves as a bridge connecting youth categories with the professional peloton. Without such a bridge, many cyclists might not find their way because they are not yet at the WorldTour level. This event is very important to give developing riders a chance to race and showcase themselves. Olav Kooij is a great example of this – said Czesław Lang, General Director of the Tour de Pologne and ORLEN Nations Grand Prix.

In Rzeszów, during the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix, the barely 19-year-old rider took another crucial step toward turning professional. He had already achieved 5th place in the European Championships for under-23 riders, a stage win in Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali, and several victories in lower-category races.

In the “COVID” season of 2020, as a rider for the Jumbo-Visma youth team, he also had opportunities to compete with the WorldTour squad. Joining the top-division team was only a matter of time. Although he started the following season still as a continental team rider, by February, he had signed a contract with the WorldTour team, which he then represented in many prestigious races, including the Tour de Pologne.

On flat stages, he demonstrated his speed and exceptional talent. He was also visible on Polish roads, finishing 2nd on a Tour de Pologne stage in Rzeszów, beaten only by the outstanding Fernando Gaviria. A year later, he returned to the Polish national tour and achieved success right on the first stage in Lublin, where he was unrivaled, defeating riders like Phil Bauhaus and Jordi Meeus. It was his ninth victory of that season.

In subsequent years, the Dutch sprinter gained experience and strengthened his position as one of the best dynamic riders in the global peloton. Undoubtedly, he is among the elite sprinters and, notably, regularly visits the Tour de Pologne. He also claimed victories in Poland in 2023 and 2024, totaling four stage wins. Last year, he also triumphed in the prestigious Hamburg classic and secured a stage win in the Giro d’Italia.

Year by year, Olav Kooij impresses with his steady progress, which is especially gratifying as Poland and races in this region played an important role in the development of his professional career.

– It was clear from the start that Kooij was a great talent. He had a knack for cycling, great predispositions, and it’s satisfying to see how he has developed, winning four times in the Tour de Pologne and also a stage in the Giro d’Italia – summarized Czesław Lang.