Eva van Agt has been confirmed as the last rider to join Jumbo-Visma for the 2023 season. The 25-year-old joins from Le Col Wahoo after being released from that team as they undergo sponsorship and budget issues. She only joined the pro peloton this season but took part in some of the biggest races like the Tour de France Femmes.
Like many in the women’s peloton, Van Agt took a different route to cycling. She began as a hockey player and even got a scholarship to study in America and play. As with many, she took up cycling to keep her condition up and it began to take over.
“With a sports scholarship, I went to the United States to play hockey and to get my bachelor’s degree. I started cycling there more and more, also to keep my condition up. After my studies, I travelled through America for six months and made beautiful bike rides every day.
I needed a new challenge. I started a master’s degree in Maastricht and joined a student cycling association. I secretly had the dream of becoming a professional cyclist, but I thought that was not feasible. Yet I noticed that I quickly became stronger and I felt like really going racing. I started doing that last February.
I am very grateful for the opportunity I get with this team. I am convinced that I will learn a lot from the guidance and from the other riders. Tactically, I want to continue to develop in the coming period.
I hope to be able to play a role in the finals of hill classics. Riding a good result in Liège-Bastogne-Liège or the Amstel Gold Race is high on my wish list. I always train on those roads, so how nice would it be to be able to show myself there? Furthermore, I have gained some experience in a few stage races in the past year and that also suits me.”
Eva van Agt
“Eva stood out in the peloton this year because of her attractive way of racing. She is present, offensive and doesn’t seem afraid of anyone. At Team Jumbo-Visma she can take steps in a strong group. Her sporting tests were also good, so we are very happy with the arrival of Eva.”
Rutger Tijssen, Jumbo Visma sports technical manager
