“My main goal today was to get that 50th win” – Fem van Empel celebrates milestone moment after dominant display in Heerderstrand

Fem van Empel reached another milestone in her extraordinary rise through cyclocross, claiming her 50th career victory with a composed yet crushing performance at Exact Cross Heerde. The world champion extended her perfect early-season run with another solo triumph, mastering the sodden Heerderstrand circuit as heavy rain and deep sand created treacherous conditions.

It was a win that combined her now-trademark control with a rare show of celebration. After crossing the line alone, Van Empel produced a “50” sign from beneath her jersey before firing a confetti cannon at the finish — a pre-planned flourish for a landmark that underlined her sustained dominance in the discipline.

The 23-year-old Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider was rarely troubled once she moved into the lead on the penultimate lap, having gradually distanced Aniek van Alphen and Leonie Bentveld through the heavy sand sections. Even an early mechanical hiccup — when another rider clipped her bike — couldn’t disrupt her rhythm.

“I had a good start, but someone rode into the back of my bike,” she said afterwards. “I changed bikes just to be safe. I knew the course was incredibly heavy today, so I had to manage my effort carefully.”

Van Empel admitted she had been thinking about the milestone for days. “My main goal today was to get that 50th win,” she smiled. “I actually went to a fancy-dress shop yesterday, so I’d put a little bit of pressure on myself. I had a small sign ready, but my boyfriend had made a bigger improvised one to hand me at the finish.”

The Dutchwoman kept her focus to the line, resisting any late pressure as the slippery corners claimed several riders behind. “The last part was twisting and turning — a mistake was easy to make,” she explained. “I had to stay concentrated until I knew the gap was big enough to celebrate.”

With another win added to her tally — and a light-hearted reminder of just how far she’s already come — Van Empel continues to redefine what dominance looks like in modern cyclocross.