Fem van Empel "may have a mild concussion", Dutch rider gives not-so-positive health update

Fem van Empel has seen promising signs following the crash that took her out of the Val di Sole World Cup race, however a return to racing may not come so soon, as the Dutch supertalent herself has given an update reporting pain.

“Things are not going as well as expected. I have a major bruise on my leg, fluid in both knees and may have a mild concussion as well," van Empel said. "It's really looking at what I can handle in terms of training day by day. I may not be able to compete in the short term, but in the long term there are no problems.”

Van Empel has dominated part of the early season, and has built up a lead of 65 points in the World Cup against Puck Pieterse, after the Italian race where she was forced to abandon. The 20-year old remains the main favourite to win the cup as Pieterse missed the opening two races.

She returned to the Netherlands this monday and exams showed no fractures, however it is unknown how long she will require off the bike and off competition in order to recover. She is not expected at the Exact Cross Mol this coming Friday, but the next World Cup round takes place on the 26th, next Sunday, in Gavere where she has been selected to race for the Netherlands, for the time being.