Jetlag or not, Van Empel keeps winning: "It's a pity that Puck isn't around for now"

Riding three cyclocross races, winning all three in a dominant fashion – Fem van Empel continued her impeccable streak, including the 'Mother of all Crosses,' the Druivencross in Overijse. The 21-year-old Jumbo-Visma rider powered ahead solo midway through the opening lap, and from there, she left her competitors in the dust. In this post-race interview with IDLProCycling.com, Fem van Empel shares her insights into the race.

"I didn't intend to go full throttle from the start. However, I felt really strong, so I thought, 'Why hold back when I can push myself?'" Van Empel candidly expressed her approach. She meticulously analyzed the course, identifying the tricky first corner after the materials zone as a crucial point. To gain an edge over her competitors, she decided to tackle this section aggressively, entering it at full speed and applying pressure to her rivals. Her strategy proved effective, as she quickly opened a gap in the first lap. This early lead inspired her to employ a similar tactic in subsequent laps, gradually extending her advantage over the field.

Van Empel remains modest amid large level difference with other ladies

On February 4, 2023, Van Empel secured her status as the cyclocross world champion in Hoogerheide, a title she earned after a season of absolute dominance. Once again, this cyclocross winter, she proves to be the woman to beat. In Flemish Brabant, she notched a hat trick with her third consecutive victory on a Sunday afternoon, showcasing her immense strength. But is Van Empel simply too powerful for her competition and the sport as a whole? In response to this question, she humbly states, "It's hard to make such an assertion about oneself," emphasizing her continuous efforts to improve. "I can certainly say that I dedicated a tremendous amount of work last year, and I certainly didn't remain stagnant."

In the brief interview, Van Empel highlighted the importance of rest as one of the crucial factors in her ongoing success. She explained, "Within the team, we've agreed that I'll pay close attention to how I feel physically. Many people tend to forget how young I am, and it's difficult to decide to reduce my workload. However, I'm fortunate to have the right support system that keeps a close eye on my condition, which is reassuring." Van Empel stressed her intention not to participate in every event, adopting a more flexible approach. She said, "We'll assess my schedule step by step. Deciding on a specific series or ranking now is challenging. I prefer to wait and see how I feel and adjust my race schedule accordingly."

"I hope to battle with Puck several more times this season," said the dominant Van Empel

Puck Pieterse, who often competes with Van Empel for the top spot, was notably absent in Overijse. It was recently announced that the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider won't participate in any races until the end of November. Van Empel expressed her regret at Pieterse's absence, stating, "It's a shame she's not here. There are a few other injured ladies as well, and that's unfortunate for the race. I hope I can compete with Puck a few more times this season, although I'm quite confident it will happen."

Van Empel secured victories on Sunday, October 8, Sunday, October 15, and subsequently, on Sunday, October 22. Her victory on October 15 was in Waterloo, United States, and like several other riders, she confessed to experiencing some jet lag. She explained, "I didn't sleep very well last week. It wasn't that I was overly fatigued at the start, but rather that I couldn't get the desired amount of sleep in the past few days. Consequently, I adjusted my workouts accordingly. However, I wasn't surprised by my performance here since I had set my sights on this race." Whether dealing with jet lag or not, Van Empel remains unstoppable, continuing her winning streak.