Tour de France: Mühlberger Out, Decathlon CMA CGM Consider Kooij

The 2026 Tour de France has seen a sudden shift in its lineup after climber Gregor Mühlberger confirmed he will not compete in the Grand Départ in Barcelona, according to a statement shared on social media. The 32-year-old rider, who finished 15th at the Giro d’Italia while assisting teammate Felix Gall to second place, had been training at altitude with his team in France. However, he was forced to withdraw, leaving the Decathlon CMA CGM squad to consider alternatives.

Mühlberger’s absence was announced with the rider stating, “I put everything into the preparation at the team altitude camp in France. Full focus, full discipline, no shortcuts and everything was going to plan. Which makes this even harder to accept: sometimes sport gives you no warning and no chance to show what you prepared for. I won’t be on the start line in Barcelona, only watching and cheering for my teammates from home. It’s devastating, but that’s sport.” The statement, posted on Instagram, underscores the unpredictability of professional cycling.

The decision opens the door for a potential replacement, with sprinter Olav Kooij emerging as a leading candidate. Kooij, who joined the French team this year, has been in strong form, securing three successive wins in the past weeks. His most recent victory came at the Baloise Belgium Tour seven days ago, where he outpaced Tim Merlier and Jasper Philipsen in a hectic finale where he had to surf wheels. Despite recovering from a virus that delayed his season start, Kooij has demonstrated his ability to thrive.

Decathlon CMA CGM’s interest in Kooij aligns with the team’s strategy to hedge their bets to get a stage win, especially since Paul Seixas will be coming in banged up. Seixas, the young French talent making his Tour de France debut, is recovering from a recent crash and building form at altitude in Les Arcs.

Text
Subheading
Why is Mühlberger out of the Tour de France?

Mühlberger’s withdrawal follows a rigorous preparation phase that included altitude training in France. The rider had skipped the Tour de Suisse and the Austrian Road Championships to focus solely on the Tour de France, a decision he described as “full focus, full discipline, no shortcuts.”

The absence of a climber like Mühlberger could impact Decathlon CMA CGM’s team dynamics.

Text
Subheading
What happens next for Decathlon CMA CGM?

The team’s management has not yet announced a formal replacement for Mühlberger, but Kooij’s name has surfaced as a strong contender. The Dutch rider, who is listed in the preliminary start list, will not be racing the road race at the Dutch Road Championships on Sunday. This scheduling decision suggests a focus on the Tour de France, where his sprinting abilities could be pivotal.

Kooij’s recent performances highlight his readiness for the race. At the Baloise Belgium Tour, he navigated a hectic finale by “surfing wheels” to victory. His three successive wins this season have also positioned him as a threat to top sprinters like Philipsen and Merlier.

Text
Subheading
How does this affect the 2026 Tour de France?

The 2026 Tour de France, set to begin in Barcelona, is already shaping up to be a competitive affair. The absence of Mühlberger adds an element of uncertainty. His withdrawal could create openings for other riders.

Kooij’s potential inclusion also raises questions about the team’s strategy. Decathlon CMA CGM may be testing Kooij’s versatility.

For Seixas, the team’s adjustments will be critical. His participation in the Tour depends on his recovery from the crash.

Text
Subheading
What does this mean for the broader cycling landscape?

Mühlberger’s withdrawal highlights the physical and mental challenges of professional cycling. His public acknowledgment of the “devastating” nature of the decision reflects the emotional toll of such moments.

The potential addition of Kooij also underscores the evolving nature of team strategies.

For fans, the 2026 Tour de France promises a mix of drama and competition. The absence of Mühlberger and the possible arrival of Kooij add layers of intrigue, ensuring the race remains unpredictable. As the event approaches, all eyes will be on how Decathlon CMA CGM adapts to these changes.

Text
Quoted text
“Sometimes sport gives you no warning and no chance to show what you prepared for.”
— Gregor Mühlberger, Instagram post

Quoted