Fem van Empel "going home with a good feeling" after unbeatable streak in USA

Fem van Empel has taken her win in the Waterloo World Cup yesterday, continuing a very strong run of form and expanding her lead in the competition - putting herself in a position where she would never expect to be at the end of the week.

“My legs didn't feel very good. I tried a few times on the bars, but after that I mostly recovered on the descent. I was expecting Lucinda Brand's attack, so I could only follow. The plan was perfect today," van Empel said in a post-race interview. After winning the opening round in Waterloo and several other races, the young Dutch rider was in position to strike again. It was a fast and explosive race she had to tackle, but one where she would emerge victorious.

It was not without it's difficulties however, as Lucinda Brand - and Annemarie Worst - provided for a hard battle. Van Empel however had a very strong sprint, which she used to her success. “I sometimes surprise myself, but I also worked very hard for this this summer. Last year I went home disappointed after the World Cup, so that's where I learned. I have now taken revenge," she said.

“It just didn't go well in Meulebeke. I don't fully realize it yet, because it was so exciting at the end, but I'm going home with a good feeling," she concluded, with clear sights on the possibility of fighting for the World Cup win.