Fem van Empel considering direct jump into Elite category following tremendous start to season - "We have to think about that carefully"

Fem van Empel had shown great signs last season, but has entered the 2022-2023 season with a set of storming performances, and she is currently pondering over the possibility of riding the World Championships at Elite level instead of her under-23 position.

"If things continue to go well, the elite category is also an option," van Empel told De Telegraaf before this Sunday's race in Meulebeke. "But you can't go back to the under-23 status after that, so we have to think about that carefully. Fortunately, we still have some time to make that decision".

At a very recent 20 years of age, van Empel is well within the under-23 field, which in itself is highly competitive in the women's ranks. The Dutch rider had won the Val di Sole and Flammanville World Cups at Elite level last year, but couldn't reconsolidate her world title in Fayetteville.

However, with two seasons riding an almost complete Elite schedule, the Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal rider is perfectly aware of what to expect. She can ride the under-23 World Championships once again, but is considering already making the definite jump to Elite level where she has already established herself.

This year she's won the opening two crosses in Belgium at Kruibeke and Beringen, and she finished second yesterday in Meulebeke, losing out in the final sprint to Lucinda Brand.

“I’d rather finish second this way by taking initiative than winning again in a sprint," she said after the race however, hinting that she had the legs to win the race. "Maybe it was a mistake, but i see this race as a preparation. I have my learning points for next week."