Fem van Empel enters the cyclocross season victorious: "It was a bit of a shock to the system"

Fem van Empel has convincingly won her first cyclocross of the season. Yet it was also tough for the world champion in the Exact Cross Beringen.

"It was a bit of a shock to the system, such a first cross," she told WielerFlits afterwards. "Mentally I wasn't really prepared for cyclocross races, but I knew I was physically fine. But it is still a big switch from the road to the cross."

The Jumbo-Visma rider can also feel that she has had a busy summer, but nevertheless wanted to get into the field. "It's a shame if you don't ride crosses in that nice jersey, so I try to take advantage of it. But I also definitely want to rest somewhere, that will come."

When will that rest period take place? "It will be especially around the Christmas period that I will take less action," concludes Van Empel.