Olav Kooij finally has a return date, but will he make the Tour de France?

Olav Kooij, the prodigious sprinter from Visma | Lease a Bike, is slated to make his competitive return at the late May Critérium du Dauphiné. This marks his first appearance since abandoning Paris-Nice in March due to illness, a period that saw him sidelined with pneumonia and a subsequent viral infection. His comeback is eagerly anticipated, particularly given his strong start to the season, including a stage win at Paris-Nice.

Kooij's return is pivotal, not just for his own trajectory but for Visma | Lease a Bike's Tour de France sprint ambitions. With Wout van Aert also recovering from significant injuries, Kooij's form at the Dauphiné will be a crucial indicator of his readiness for July. His early season promise, including victories at the UAE Tour and Paris-Nice, had positioned him as a prime candidate for a Tour debut, a prospect now hanging precariously on his recovery and performance.

The question remains whether a late May return provides sufficient runway for a Grand Tour debut. Talent is rarely enough; the Tour demands consistent, peak condition.