World Champion explains reason for lack of pace in Superprestige Ruddervoorde: "I had little concentration"
CyclocrossMonday, 21 October 2024 at 08:24
Cyclocross world champion Fem van Empel admitted she wasn’t
at her best during the Superprestige Ruddervoorde, finishing second behind
Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado. Despite competing for a podium spot, Van Empel, of Team Visma-Lease a Bike, never looked like a serious contender for the victory.
“It wasn’t my day, I had little concentration,” the
22-year-old told Wielerflits after the race.
Van Empel, who claimed the World Cyclocross Championship
titles in 2023 and 2024, acknowledged Alvarado's strength on the day. “Ceylin
was incredibly strong. That’s part of it and is something to work on for the
upcoming races. I did have a good final lap, I showed that I don’t give up
easily.”
Reflecting on her performance, Van Empel remained pragmatic.
"It can always happen. I am only human and cannot win everything,"
she said. "I am focusing more on a bit more work this period, so I may be
a bit less fresh. But that does not take away from the fact that Ceylin
deserved to win today. I am therefore not disappointed."
Despite the setback, Van Empel’s strong mindset and drive to
improve will make her one to watch in the upcoming cyclocross season.
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