Visma-LAB look really terrible to start the year. Form is average to bad and their tactics are all over the place. I know they often start quite slow but by Omloop they’re usually flying.
Maybe they’re taking a different approach to the season? Seems weird when they were so dominant 2 years ago and mostly just got incredibly unlucky last year.
They wanted a complete approach this season, even created something they call the white jersey group. Their main focus is, as per usual, to score in the biggest races (classics / grand tours). However, unlike previous years, they plan on doing more racing, less training.
Now, as to what the reasoning is behind their downfall, I do not know, but what I do know is that, apart from Zeeman, several high end employees and nutritionists left for greener pastures. One went to RedBull, the other to Ajax. Several positions they have failed to (adequately) fill.
It's painful in just about every area currently. Literally every rider looks subpar thus far. If they even race that is, as just about everyone seems rather prone to illnesses currently. Not just their Omloop team was miserable sans Jorgenson, they did even worse in Ardeche this afternoon.
We'll see Kooij against good competition tomorrow, and I reckon he, too, will have declined.
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