Van Agt completes lineup for 2023 for Team Jumbo-Visma Women
As of January 1, 2023, Eva van Agt (25) will join Team Jumbo-Visma Women. The former hockey star made her debut in the professional peloton this spring and rode grand tours for Le Col-Wahoo, including Le Tour de France Femmes.
The 25-year-old Van Agt played hockey at the highest level in the Netherlands for several years but slowly developed a love for the bicycle. "I got my first road bike when I was fifteen and immediately liked it. At that time, however, I only rode some recreational kilometres", Van Agt says.
At eighteen, she left Nijmegen and spent four years in the USA. "I went to the United States on a sports scholarship to play hockey and pursue my bachelor's degree. To maintain my condition, I began cycling there more and more. After my studies, I traveled through America for six months and rode beautiful bike rides every day."
"I am very grateful for the opportunity I get on this team"
Due to the corona epidemic, the Dutch hockey competition was postponed. Since then, a lot has changed in Van Agt's life. "I needed a new challenge. I started a master's degree in Maastricht and joined a student cycling association. I secretly dreamed of becoming a professional cyclist, but I thought that was impossible. I discovered that I quickly grew stronger and that I had a great urge to race. My first was last February", the rider says.
A few months later, Van Agt signed her first professional contract with Le Col-Wahoo. Last summer, she participated in the Tour de France Femmes. She will represent Team Jumbo-Visma Women in the peloton in the upcoming year. "I am very grateful for the opportunity I get on this team. I am convinced the coaching staff and the other riders will teach me much. I want to keep growing tactically in the coming period."
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Rutger Tijssen, the team's sports technical manager, has confidence in Van Agt's development. "Because of her appealing racing style this year, Eva stood out in the peloton", he explains. "She is present, likes to attack and doesn't fear anyone. At Team Jumbo-Visma, she can take steps forward in a strong group. Her athletic tests were also positive, so we are thrilled with Eva's arrival."
"Because of her appealing racing style this year, Eva stood out in the peloton"
"I hope to play an important role in the hill classics finals", Van Agt says. "A big priority on my wish list is to ride well in Liège-Bastogne-Liège or the Amstel Gold Race. I always train on those roads, so it would be amazing to show myself there. Furthermore, I have gained experience in a few stage races in the past year, which also suits me."
