Fem van Empel: " Puck rode around really strong today. I had no answer to her"

Despite her best efforts, Fem van Empel finished second in the World Cup Overijse. She could not compete with Puck Pieterse, who finished a minute ahead.

"I noticed from the start that today would not be for me," she told WielerFlits. She admits Pieterse’s superiority. "It was really cross today. I think Puck rode around really strong today. I had no answer to her. Then you have to ride your own pace and make as few mistakes as possible."

She continues, "I hit the ground a few times, but luckily I didn't have any damage. I couldn't do anything against Puck today. Shirin still came pretty close, but I had a margin and am happy that I was still able to finish second."

The World Cup rankings still favour her. "The main thing is not to make too much of a fuss. I have chosen the World Cup and am now well placed in the standings, so I will try to continue this line," van Empel concluded.