Col-Wahoo signs former hockey player Eva van Agt

Col-Wahoo have announced the mid-season signing of Eva van Agt from Dutch club side Restore, with the rider making her debut with the team in Belgium on Saturday.

A former field hockey player, Van Agt, 25, spent four years in the United States studying and playing at Northwestern University but turned to cycling after returning to the Netherlands.

“I’m super excited for this next step in my sporting career,” said Van Agt. “I feel humbled to have such an incredible opportunity.”

A lifelong cyclist, Van Agt says she’s taken running and riding more seriously during the pandemic in order to burn off her competitive energy.

Although she had previously only run one UCI classified race – the Drentse 8 van Westerveld in March – her performances in various Dutch races caught the attention of the British team.

“We have been impressed with Eva since we first saw her race at Volta Limburg, she was the only non-UCI rider in the lead group and has certainly held her own,” said the general manager of Le Col-Wahoo, Tom Varney.

“Since that time, we have gotten to know her more and have continued to be impressed, both by her professionalism and physical level – but also by her as a person. We are delighted to have her join the team and we are focused on developing her talent.

Van Agt officially signed for the team on May 1, but joined the team for their reconnaissance treks in the Ardennes in April.

“When I met the team, I immediately felt a warm feeling,” she said. “The incredible team chemistry, combined with a great balance of professionalism and fun, and a focus on development and experience, Le Col-Wahoo seems like the perfect fit for me. I can’t wait put on their jerseys and start running.”

Van Agt made his team debut in Saturday’s Eco-Struct GP, finishing with the group just 19 seconds off the pack in the 136km 1.1 classified race to take 89th place.

Maike van der Duin was the team’s highest-placed rider in fifth place, with the Dutch rider having to quickly transition from a predicted leadership role into a battle for the podium after Marjolein Van’t Galoof fell in the final turn.