"Her happiness comes first": Dutch national coach reflects on Fem van Empel’s temporary retirement

After a very short but highly successful career, Dutch star Fem van Empel announced she is putting it on hold indefinitely despite being just 23 years old. The young rider has already won the mind-blowing number of 50 professional cyclocross races, and she was expected to continue that domination in the next years.

Van Empel, who has won the last three elite world cyclo-cross titles, will not compete this winter and will leave Visma | Lease a Bike on 1 January 2026, as announced a few days ago. Dutch national cyclo-cross coach Gerben de Knegt, who has been Van Empel's mentor, has spoken about her temporary retirement.

“I want to wish Fem all the very best for her future, whether that is on or off the bike,” De Knegt said on the KNWU website. “Her happiness comes first. She can look back on an incredible career with multiple world and European titles, and we are grateful that we were able to support her in achieving those sporting ambitions and celebrating those successes with her.”

Despite Van Empel’s absence, Dutch riders continue to dominate cyclocross. At the UCI World Cup Koksijde, the top 8 riders were Dutch. The winner that day, Lucinda Brand, has won 13 out of the 15 races she has participated in this season, while Mathieu van der Poel is unrivaled in the men's field.

De Knegt also highlighted encouraging results from younger riders. “With two podium places for Cas Timmermans and Delano Heeren among the junior men, third place for Isis Versluis in the junior women’s race, and victory for David Haverdings in the under-23 category, TeamNL performed very strongly,” he said.

Looking ahead to upcoming UCI World Cup round to be held in Gavere, it is expected to be less muddy compared to other years. "That will definitely make for a different race, but Gavere is definitely a classic on the calendar where it's difficult to win. I think sand courses suit us as Dutchmen."