Fem van Empel has had an absolute breakthrough season in Cyclocross, and she's looking to add the cherry on top of the cake with a World title this weekend in Hoogerheide, but she goes in without pressure.
"I have achieved all my goals this season, so I am relaxed about the world championship," van Empel admits in a press release issued by Jumbo-Visma. "Nevertheless, next Saturday will be a special day. I want to cross the finish line without regrets. I will see which result is linked to it. If someone is better than me on Saturday, I will have to deal with that. In any case, I will do everything I can to take home the beautiful rainbow jersey."
The 20-year old had shown great signs last winter, but had a brutal season this year. She is the reigning European Champion after a dominant win in Namur, and is the winner of the World Cup aswell. Van Empel has this season not finished a single race outside of the podium, and has won most of her outings. Although she's experienced tough challenges from Shirin van Anrooij and Puck Pieterse in the second half of the season, only the latter will be present in the Elite race.
"I am not preparing for this race any differently than usual. I will have a normal training week and hope to be ready for the title race," the Dutch supertalent admits. Her compatriots Pieterse, Lucinda Brand and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado are expected to be her biggest competition, but after another dominant win at this weekend's X2O Trofee Hamme, she enters the race as the main favourite.
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