Van Empel rounds off great cross season with victory in Lille

Title: Fem van Empel Clinches Victory in Lille to Conclude Spectacular Cyclocross Season

Fem van Empel, the world champion in cyclocross, sealed a triumph in Lille to wrap up an incredible cross-season. Van Empel surged ahead from the outset, ultimately securing her nineteenth victory of the season and the overall win at the X2O Trophy. The cyclist expressed her delight, stating, “After a week of relative rest, it was a bit of an adjustment at the start of the race. It was essential to keep the pace lap after lap, and I did that.”

Van Empel also acknowledged the transient nature of the cyclocross season, noting, “Somehow, it’s a shame that the cyclocross season is already over for me. It went by so quickly. But we have to focus on what’s ahead in the spring.”

Jan Boven, the sports director, lauded Van Empel’s exceptional performance throughout the season, remarking, “The fact that Fem has only failed to win two cyclocross races is certainly outstanding. Fem made a lot of progress last year.” Looking ahead, Boven highlighted the team’s upcoming plans for a high-altitude training camp and strategic preparation to ensure Van Empel is in peak form for the upcoming spring events, with an emphasis on her transition into road cycling.