Fem van Empel's victory in Benidorm secures World cup title- "I achieved my goal for this cross, I surprised myself every week"

With her victory in Benidorm, Fem van Empel has secured the overall win in the World Cup. The Jumbo-Visma rider defeated Dutch champion Puck Pieterse and now holds a 45-point lead in the standings.

"I never expected this," Van Empel said in the post-race interview. She continues, "I achieved my goal for this cross. It was a nice battle of four, also with Silvia. She was also very good. But Puck and I made it a battle until the end."

She holds a commanding lead in the overall World Cup standings, with a 45-point advantage, which is more than sufficient to secure the title. “Beforehand, my goal was to win one or two World Cups. I surprised myself every week. After my injury and the NK it wasn't easy mentally, but the people around me helped me well. That's why I was really looking forward to this race," concluded van Empel.

Her recent string of victories serves as a testament to her impressive form, as the World Championship looms on the horizon.