Fem van Empel: "There was no need to give a hundred per cent today"

Fem van Empel added X2O Trofee Baal to her impressive list of achievements. She was untouchable in today’s race and finished a minute ahead of her competitors.

"On some parts, I rode a good pace through, but there was no need to give a hundred per cent today," van Empel said in the post-race interview. She further adds, "I go well on not much sleep. I enjoyed today."

She was out of action for more than two weeks, but this was not the case for Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado however, she lacked the desire to challenge the Dutchwoman. "I took a break and always struggle to get into my rhythm. I had actually wanted to battle with someone to sharpen my fitness, but I had to make something of it myself," said van Empel.

Her recent win has allowed her to move up to second place in the overall rankings, however, the Dutchwoman has made it clear that this is not what she is striving for. "I'm only 20, so you have to make choices too. I also have a nice road season ahead of me and a nice mountain bike programme. That's where my focus is now. And on the World Championship," concluded van Empel.