Cyclocross rider Fem van Empel from Sint-Michielgestel rode with ease to victory in the cross for the X2O Bathrooms Trophy on Saturday. For the 21-year-old it is already her sixteenth victory of the season. She seems ready to defend her World Cup title next Saturday in Tabor, Czech Republic.
In Hamme, Belgium, Van Empel immediately pulled away from her competition shortly after the start. She quickly took a big lead and crossed the finish line solo. Dutch champion Lucinda Brand finished second, more than a minute behind. Manon Bakker completed the Dutch podium with a third place.
Van Empel felt very good at the start, she said afterwards. “I chose to attack because I wanted to ride at my own pace. Halfway through the race I heard the speaker announce the time differences. From that moment on I started thinking about Sunday’s cross. That will also be very tough,” she said.
The cyclo-cross rider, who is already among the absolute top, will be at the start of the last race in the World Cup in Hoogerheide on Sunday. She then leaves for the Czech Republic for the World Cup.
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