“I’m really looking forward to it” - Fem van Empel prepares to race on home soil at the Amstel Gold Race

At 21 years old and in her second season with Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Fem van Empel is continuing her development on the road after a dominant season on the cyclocross field, in which she won 19 out of 21 races.

After racing in her first Monument at the Ronde van Vlaanderen a couple of weeks ago, the Dutch rider is now switching her focus to the Ardennes Classics, as she is scheduled to race both the Amstel Gold Race this weekend and La Flèche Wallonne next Wednesday.

Speaking with her team ahead of this weekend, Van Empel reflected on riding her first major race of the season, as she said “the Ronde van Vlaanderen was a great experience with all the spectators along the roadside. I wouldn't have missed it for the world”.

Looking ahead to her home race in Limburg on Sunday, the cyclocross World Champion went on to say “I’m really looking forward to it. It is always fun to race in your own country; I know that from the cyclocross races. My family will be with me.

On her chances of a strong result, Van Empel stated “the profile of the Amstel Gold Race is within my capabilities, but I am especially curious about my physical condition. We have a strong team, which makes different scenarios possible. I want to make my contribution to the team”.