The 20-year-old Fem van Empel from Den Dungen was honored on Friday evening in the Benelux Theater van den Durpsherd in Berlicum. She became cyclocross world champion earlier this month and was honored in front of friends, family and fans.
“It still feels the same as before, I still have to get used to it,” Fem said after entering the hall through a guard of honor. “But it’s great how much attention I get. And that I can wear that sweater for a year is very special.”
The cyclocross rider also won the X2O trophy and the World Cup this season. “This is the highest you can get,” she said during the ceremony. “You do a lot for it day in and day out and sacrifice a lot for it, so the relief is great when you win.”
Van Empel drives for Jumbo-Visma. Her season couldn’t go wrong when she won the world title. “It’s quite emotional with all the family that has come to watch and the pressure is now off my shoulders,” she said after the win.