"No one knows what I'm up to," says Fem van Empel, who claims her victory with a clear gesture

Prior to the race, and last Sunday in Overijse, Van Empel mentioned she was working on “a plan,” with this Koppenbergcross and the upcoming European Championship on Sunday as key components. She had faced some criticism in recent weeks following a few “losses,” but she focused solely on what she does best: riding hard and with strong technical skill.

She started with this approach in Oudenaarde, seeming to control the race from start to finish. The relief was evident at the finish line, as she confirmed afterward. “Absolutely. This is my favorite cross, and to succeed here for the third year in a row is incredibly satisfying. I’ve worked hard for this, and I’m very happy.”

The fact that she had received comments about her recent lack of wins leading up to the World Championship influenced her celebratory gesture. A finger to her chest, followed by a point to the cobbles of the Koppenberg—she wanted to show that she’s the best here. “For me, it’s about responding with the pedals rather than words, so here it is,” said Van Empel, who also had a fitting response to the Sporza interviewer’s compliment regarding her lead over Brand. “Thank you.”

Before the race, Van Empel responded to the fact that she had won only one out of four races. Second place isn't good enough for the outside world, as shown in Overijse. The world champion shrugs it off. "I don't worry too much about what others think, because no one knows what I'm working on. Only the people around me know that. It's always disappointing to hear that you're not performing well, but I don't worry about it."

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For Van Empel, like many of the other women who raced on Friday, the next stop is Pontevedra, where the European Cyclo-cross Championship will be held on Sunday. This course is completely different, much faster than the muddy slopes of the Bult van Melden.