Fem van Empel aims to become cyclocross World Champion, Jumbo-Visma reveal 2023 schedule

Jumbo-Visma have this afternoon hosted their team presentation in the Netherlands. Although still competing for Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal until the end of the year, new signing Fem van Empel is already in synch with the team and her cyclocross schedule is set.

The Dutch rider, who is currently leading the World Cup and is the reigning European Champion, will race the Zonhoven, Benidorm and Besançon World Cups where she will be trying to maintain her World Cup lead against Puck Pieterse. The X20 Trofee Koksijde, Zaltbommel circuit for the Dutch national championships and the World Championships in Hoogerheide complete her schedule.

Van Empel crashed and got injured this past weekend at Val di Sole when she crashed in the snowy track. Her injuries were not severe, however a slight concussion and lots of bruising in her legs may see her out of action this week, and her presence in the Gavere World Cup on the 26th of December is not certain.

The team is based in the city of 's-Hertogenbosch, where both van Empel and her new teammate Marianne Vos were born. Van Empel has been termed by some as the 'new Vos', and now the duo will be racing together as sitting European and World Champions.