04/01/2024

Fem van Empel overcomes knee injury concerns to take dominant victory in Koksijde

Fem van Empel has taken a dominant victory at the X2O Trofee in Koksijde. Leading throughout, the world champion was on a completely different level to her rivals.

Although there had been concerns pre-race about the knee of Fem van Empel, the world champion was not showing any signs of ill health early in this one. After just two laps, van Empel had already extended into a solo lead of over 20 seconds on her nearest challenger, Lucinda Brand.

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As van Empel only extended her lead, Brand was also looking quite comfortable in second place. Behind them though an almighty tussle was ensuing between Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado and Laura Verdonschot for third place.

However, on lap 3, van Empel was brought down in the equipment station and landed on her bad knee. Quickly back up and on her way again though, the damage thankfully seemed minimal.

In the battle for third, although Alvarado had a narrow gap to Verdonschot, the Belgian's prowess in the sand was keeping her in contact heading into the final lap.

By the time they reached the line though, van Empel was a clear winner ahead of Brand in second with Alvarado completing the podium.