05/01/2024

Fem van Empel set for two-week break from cyclocross action after busy festive period

Fem van Empel has been in incredible form this winter. From her 16 cyclocross races this campaign, the world champion has claimed 14 victories.

Having raced five times since Boxing Day however, tired legs have built up, forcing the 21-year-old Dutchwoman into an extended rest. “It has been a busy but wonderful time. Now it is time to take some time off to recover and build up for what is to come," she explains.

"I'll need some new knees at the end of the season I think" - Fem van Empel battles through injury to take victory in Koksijde

Following her latest victory in Koksijde, van Empel admitted to feeling the effects of the busy period, attempting to laugh off rumours of her knee injury. “I'll need some new knees at the end of the season I think,” she joked.

Van Empel will miss the Dutch National Championships during her absence, whilst her return to action is pencilled in for the Benidorm leg of the UCI World Cup on the 21st of January. The ultimate goal of her season remains retaining her cyclocross World Championship title.