World champion dominates first cyclocross race of season: "You know that you can have bad luck on this course"

The cyclocross season is officially underway, and Fem van Empel wasted no time making her mark. The 22-year-old, two-time cyclocross world champion from Visma-Lease a Bike, secured a dominant solo victory in the opening round of the Exact Cross series at Beringen-Be-Mine Cross on Saturday.

Van Empel opened up a solo lead on the second of five laps, finishing 42 seconds ahead of former world champion Ceylin Del Carmen Alvarado and over a minute ahead of 2021 world champion, Lucinda Brand.

Speaking to Wielerflits after the race, van Empel reflected on her battle with Alvarado, who made a mistake after being put under pressure. “That could be because I put her under pressure, but I don't know,” van Empel said.

“It was not easy. I think Ceylin was the strongest here. I felt rushed for the rest of the race,” van Empel added. Despite the challenging course, she stayed focused. “You know that you can have bad luck on this course. So it was just a matter of riding until the finish.”

It's a strong start to the season for van Empel, who has her sights set on securing a third cyclocross world title early next year.