"Wasn't my luckiest race, but Lucinda was also simply the strongest" - Fem van Empel reacts to Dublin disappointment

For most riders, coming second in a World Cup race would be seen as a major positive. For the all-conquering Fem van Empel however, whenever the world champion isn't on the top step of the podium, as happened on Sunday afternoon at the World Cup Dublin, it's seen as a disappointment.

In Ireland, it was Van Empel's compatriot, Lucinda Brand who starred, dominating in Dublin to take a very impressive victory. For Van Empel meanwhile, it was a rare defeat as she came home around 20 seconds down in second place. Afterwards though, the Team Visma | Lease a Bike star wasn't looking for any excuses. 

“It certainly wasn't my luckiest race, but Lucinda was also simply the strongest today,” Van Empel reflected in her post-race interview afterwards. “In the sand passage on the third lap, I rode a little too close behind her, after which I had to run. After the gap was created, I was unfortunately unable to get any closer.”