Le Cor Wahoo has announced the mid-season acquisition of Eva Van Akt from Dutch club team Restore.

A former field field hockey player, the 25-year-old Van Akt studied for four years at Northwestern University and played in the United States before returning to the Netherlands and switching to cycling.

"I am very excited about this next step in my athletic career," Van Akt said." I am humbled by this wonderful opportunity."

A longtime cyclist, Van Agt says she started taking racing and riding more seriously as a way to expend competitive energy during the pandemic.

She had only competed in UCI class races so far, the Drentse 8 van Westervelt in March, but her performance in various races in the Netherlands caught the attention of the British team.

"We have been impressed with Eva since we first saw her race in the Volta Limburg.

"Since then we have gotten to know her better and continue to be impressed with her professionalism, her physical level, and her as a person. We are excited to have her join our team and are focused on developing her talent."

Van Akt officially signed with the team on May 1, but joined the team for the Ardennes reconnaissance in April.

"When I met the team, I immediately got a warm feeling. 'Great team chemistry, a good balance of professionalism and fun, and a focus on development and experience. I can't wait to start racing in their jersey."

Van Akt made his team debut in Saturday's GP Ecostruct, finishing 89th in the 136 km class 1.1 race, just 19 seconds behind the peloton.

Myke van der Duyn was the team's best finisher in fifth place. The Dutch rider had to quickly switch from his scheduled lead-out role to fighting for the podium after Marjolein van der Garouf crashed on the final corner.