Fem van Empel extends winning streak with dominant victory in Overijse
Fem van Empel, the reigning world champion in cyclocross, continued her impressive run by securing a convincing win in the Druivencross race in Overijse. Having won the World Cup in Waterloo just a week ago, van Empel once again set the pace from the start and quickly established a significant lead over her rivals.
“I didn’t expect to have such a lead,” van Empel confessed after the race. “I wanted to start conservatively, but I felt good and thought: why wait if I can set the pace? At one point, I had a gap and was a little ahead every lap.”
Known for its challenging and diverse course, the Druivencross is considered one of the toughest events on the cyclocross circuit. Van Empel’s mastery of the muddy sections and altitude differences allowed her to manage the race with precision.
“I managed the race well,” van Empel stated. “In some sections, I slowed down a bit and in others, I tried to go faster. I think it was well balanced.”
With this victory, van Empel has secured her third cyclocross win in a row, following her triumphs in Beringen and Waterloo. The Dutchwoman’s dominant performances have solidified her status as one of the top riders in the women’s field.
