Fem van Empel Prioritizes Cyclocross Upon Return to Racing

When Fem van Empel announced in March that she would be taking a break from racing as the best step for her mental health and well-being, there was no time frame or path outlined toward the long-term goal of “coming back stronger”-with the time for recovery also offering an opportunity to consider the best path forward.

Six months later, that path is now clear. Van Empel will return to racing on the road this Sunday at La Choralis Fourmies. Though, the three-time cyclocross world champion has decided to focus primarily on the discipline where she holds the rainbow stripes.Lining up in France is simply a way to regain her race rythm. The 23-year-old is stepping back from road racing, where she had a ample calendar with Visma-Lease a Bike through 2023 and 2024 before pausing after competing in Strade Bianche and Trofeo alfredo Binda earlier this season.