Fem van Empel reacts to brilliant victory at World Cup Benidorm: "That shows my fighting spirit"
Cyclocross
Fem van Empel delivered a stunning performance to secure victory at the World Cup Benidorm, narrowly defeating rival Lucinda Brand in what was undoubtedly one of the best races of the season. The win marks Van Empel's third consecutive triumph at the Benidorm event, cementing her dominance on this circuit.
Speaking to Wielerflits after the race, Van Empel reflected on the event's unique excitement and atmosphere. "Last year, the final was really about the last corner, which shows that it's exciting here every year. I'm always happy to race here. The crowd is great and there are a lot of children along the side," she shared.
Van Empel also detailed her race strategy and the decisive moments that led to her victory. "I think I was in control the whole race. My start was focused, and I was always in first or second position. Lucinda closed the door well the whole time, but at the barriers was one of the last opportunities to find a gap. I went full throttle over the barriers and had already done my sprint before the asphalt," she said.
Reflecting on the significance of the win, she added: "The way I win is special, that shows my fighting spirit. I am happy with my season and this victory."
Just in
NEW: WorldTour Manager Cyclinguptodate.com (FREE)
Best newcomer cyclists in 2025
Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter today!
Popular news
Latest comments
- Mistakes happen but it's a big one to throw your teammates under the bus ...bruins3011-03-2025
- Merlier doesn't need too much support, he's brilliant alone, a master in positioning.
maria2024202411-03-2025 - He would have to prove that if he won by a small margin, but as dominant as he was, there's no need to prove anything in my viewvappaxbipmv11-03-2025
- Anyone willing to report on how they split the work, balanced or was there a disproportionate from either or both of the favourites or the domestiques?Mistermaumau11-03-2025
- He does that to everyone. Makes wild assumptions and accusations without base for the sake of fighting. Constructs a straw man, attacks it with some ad hominem in there, and thinks it provokes stimulating debate. The guy isn’t worth your time.Evan11-03-2025
- Merlier with Bert leading him out against Milan and his whole sprint train will be such a fun competition. I think Merlier has an edge as he’s shown himself to be incredibly adaptable to the race situation, surf wheels, and improvise. For Milan, if his train nails it, he’s the best. If they don’t, Merlier takes the W. I still don’t get why Alpecin neglected Merlier in favor of Philipsen in ‘21. I recall MVDP even stating that Merlier was fastest in the peloton at that point.Evan11-03-2025
- I know, I was replying to him. I have never criticized him. I think he replied to the wrong person. I saw the long thread of argument in another article. I wasn't involved in any argument with him.
KerisVroom11-03-2025 - That was a reply to MrM not you.Cyclingsbestfan11-03-2025
- I see, I stand corrected. I thought Jonas never raced there, but I think it probably didn't register to me because he wasn't as famous back then.KerisVroom11-03-2025
- Tibo slaved on his last TDF for Gaudu's 10th place. Then Demare situation where he got pushed out was also badabstractengineer11-03-2025