Kooij claims victory in challenging third stage of Gree-Tour of Guangxi

Olav Kooij of Team Jumbo-Visma emerged as the winner in the third stage of the Gree-Tour of Guangxi, showcasing his resilience on a challenging course. The stage included a steep climb with a gradient of up to 20 percent, which proved to be a challenging moment for Kooij. However, with the support of his teammates, he was able to rejoin the lead group and ultimately secure the victory. This win marks Kooij’s twelfth victory of the year and brings Team Jumbo-Visma’s total tally to 66 victories for the season.

Reflecting on his accomplishment, Kooij expressed his gratitude towards his teammates, stating, “I am very grateful to the guys for all their hard work. This is a real team victory.” He also acknowledged the difficulty of the final climb but credited his team for allowing him to regain his position in the peloton and execute a well-timed sprint.

Sports director Maarten Wynants highlighted the strategic approach taken by the team, stating, “We were waiting to see if there would be a bunch sprint today. Olav struggled on the steep climb, but thanks to the excellent work of his teammates, he was able to sprint at the end of the stage.” Wynants emphasized that this victory is a boost for the entire team, especially after disappointing results in the previous stages.

The Gree-Tour of Guangxi is a challenging race, and Kooij’s victory in the third stage demonstrates his strength and determination. With his twelfth victory of the year, Kooij continues to establish himself as a formidable sprinter in the world of cycling.