Visma | Lease a Bike men and women (partly dressed up) cheer on Van Aert, Vos and Van Empel in Benidorm

Fem van Empel, Fem van Empel, Fem van Empel. Three times, the world champion came out on top in the World Cup of Benidorm, but there is still only one name on the victory list of the Spanish race. It was difficult, as it was extremely tense until the last meters. In the end, she was just too fast for Lucinda Brand, who finished second. Marianne Vos impressively finished fourth.

Because the course is run at high speed, the cyclo-cross race in Benidorm is always one where the gaps are small. "This year it was exhilarating, but so was last year," Van Empel said in the flash interview. "I'm always happy to compete here. The crowd is great, and there are so many little kids; it's cool."

While there seemed to be about 10 riders competing for the win for a long time, the world champion never felt like she wasn't in control. "I was always in control,' she states confidently. "At the start, I was focused; I was actually in the first or second position the whole race." Van Empel had to pull out all the stops to take the lead in the final. "I think the way I won today is special, and it shows my competitive spirit. I am delighted with my season and also certainly with this victory."

What made it even harder was that the Visma | Lease a Bike rider did not know she was in the final lap. As a result, she had to pass Brand at the very last moment. "Lucinda made it difficult; she didn't leave any room. The barriers were one of the last opportunities to find a gap. It was full throttle over them, and I sprinted even before the asphalt."

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Visma | Lease a Bike women cheer for Vos and Van Empel

After training camp, the focus is back on cyclo-cross. "I went away for a week with the team. There was a good vibe, and it gave me positive energy. It's always nice to get back on that cyclo-cross bike." That positive energy was evident on Sunday, as part of the Visma | Lease a Bike women’s team attended to cheer on their riders. "They specifically scheduled a rest day to come watch, so I’m very grateful to them."

Most of the team watched in casual clothing branded with the team logo, but two members stood out: one dressed as a bee and the other as a beekeeper. Among the men, Attila Valter and Tiesj Benoot were also present, alongside members of the SD Worx-Protime team, who supported Marie Schreiber and Blanka Vas. "Yes, we had a beekeeper," Vos laughed. "I’m going to catch up with them now," said the fourth-place finisher, satisfied with her form.

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Vos sees potential for World Championship success

"Beautiful race, beautiful atmosphere," is how Vos described the Spanish race day. "Even though it feels like you’re racing in a peloton, it’s full throttle all the time. You constantly have to sprint and stay alert, but it’s a lot of fun. It was tough fighting my way to the front. Everyone faces the same fast course, so you really have to battle to get ahead. That’s part of it. The speed comes from road training, but you also need the power."

Heading into the World Championships in Liévin this February, Vos viewed the race as a valuable test. "It’s hard to compare the races, but I’m happy with how I felt. That doesn’t tell the whole story leading up to the Worlds. I’m not exactly sure where I stand. Is the world title realistic? We can see that Fem has things under control, but Lucinda is also in great shape. Puck (Pieterse, ed.) isn’t here, and she’s been dominating lately, and then there’s still Ceylin (del Carmen Alvarado, ed.). Behind them, it’s all very close, and who knows — on a good day, you might have a chance."

Marie Schreiber, representing SD Worx-Protime, secured a strong third-place finish, with teammate Blanka Vas close behind in fifth

Want to know when and where the most exciting races of 2025 will take place? Check out our updated 2025 cycling calendars for the men's and women's peloton!

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