Fem van Empel returns to winning ways with thrilling victory at Superprestige Heusden-Zolder ahead of Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado

Fem van Empel has bounced back from a rare defeat on Boxing Day with a thrilling win at Superprestige Heusden-Zolder.

After suffering her first defeat of the winter on the 26th, Fem van Empel looked like having to settle for a podium spot once again when the world champion slid on a descent, allowing Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado to take the lead.

Working hard, van Empel managed to get back to the front. From there, a thrillingly dramatic battle ensued. In the end though, it was van Empel who took victory by a sole second.