Fem van Empel unsure of recovery time from Val di Sole crash: "I am currently having a lot of pain in my left leg"

Fem van Empel was one of the victims of yesterday's treacherous Val di Sole course, where the snow caused chaos within the Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal riders, including the leader of the women's World Cup who abandoned the race with a lot of pain.

"Bad luck. I am currently having a lot of pain in my left leg. I also feel dizzy and have some abrasions. I hope to recover soon," van Empel said in an Instagram story. The Dutch rider reportedly crashed on a descent after losing traction whilst trying to overtake a rider and layed on the floor for several minutes, later being carried out of the course by stretcher.

Signs were not good for the 20-year old, who has until now dominated the World Cup. With the Christmas block right at the door, an injury at the time being would come at a horrible time. Van Empel took a painkiller shortly after being carried out, and was able to walk to the podium to receive the World Cup leader's jersey after the end of the race.

She did not travel to the hospital in Italy, however will now upon returning to the Netherlands. Whilst it is unclear if she will have to miss racing, there is still a need to access her injuries and ongoing leg pain. Her teammate Eli Iserbyt crashed out of the men's race in similar conditions and is currently in a similar situation, with the injuries still unknown.