"It is a shame that I have already ridden my last cross" - Fem van Empel ends campaign on a high with victory in Lille

Fem van Empel has been far and away the brightest light in women's cyclocross this winter. On Sunday afternoon, she endured a positive end to her campaign with a victory in Lille on the X2O Trofee.

“I'm happy that I can end with a victory," Team Visma | Lease a Bike's world champion celebrated in her post-race interview. “On the one hand, it is a shame that I have already ridden my last cross, but it is also good to recharge the batteries.”

The Dutchwoman led from the start and although her compatriot, Lucinda Brand attempted to keep things competitive, van Empel was in the end, a comfortable winner.

As she crossed the line, van Empel celebrated by making a love heart sign with her hands. This was no accident. “I wanted to thank the supporters for last season," she concludes gratefully. "That is sometimes forgotten. I'm happy to end the season with a win. It really flew by.”