Fem van Empel became European cyclo-cross champion for the first time in her career. The 20-year-old rider from Sint-Michielsgestel gave the competition after a difficult start, just like in the first four World Cup races of the season.
The young Van Empel was also allowed to participate in the promises in Namur, but she preferred to compete for the European title with the elite. Despite her limited experience, she remained calm after a flat tire early in the race. She was leading in the fourth lap. She ran further and further and rode unthreatened to the title on the last lap.
Van Empel is the successor of Lucinda Brand, who was missing in Belgium. Brand had not yet recovered sufficiently from a broken metacarpal bone. She recently fell while reconnaissance of the course for the World Cup in Tabor and suffered a fracture in her right hand.
The men will compete for the European title on Sunday.