Fem van Empel addresses criticism of season: “Aside from one race, I’m having a great cyclocross season”

Fem van Empel 2025 Dendermonde (Cor Vos)

World champion Fem van Empel from Visma-Lease a Bike has encountered a cyclocross season this winter that is less dominating compared to the previous year. Some Cyclocross analysts have noted this difference. However, the 22-year-old Dutch rider remains unfazed by the comments. “What people say about me doesnโ€™t bother me much,” she states. Last winter, she was dubbed “superwoman” with 19 victories out of 21 races, while this season, she has claimed 9 wins out of 16 races.

Van Empel remains content with her ongoing winter performance. She has triumphed in the races she aimed for, including the European Championship, the Koppenbergcross, and World Cup events in Antwerp, Gavere, and Besanรงon. “Apart from one race, Iโ€™ve always been on the podium, except for Namur, where I had bad luck. If you disregard that race, itโ€™s been a very good season so far.”

Yet, some criticism has echoed regarding Van Empel’s season. “People donโ€™t know what I do and sacrifice, yet judgments are quickly made. I race for myself, not others.” A specific instance arose when Van Empel took her time to straighten her handlebars after a fall in Baal instead of continuing to the nearby pit. She explained, “I knew I was in good shape and wanted to carefully straighten my handlebars.” Despite this, she managed to close a 30-second gap and win after an exciting final lap.

Last winter, Van Empel struggled with confidence, despite her remarkable victories, admitting to starting races with “negative thoughts.” This season, things have changed. “I no longer stress at the start of a race. I rely on my strength, which gives me confidence.” She now finds herself more assured than a year ago. “Itโ€™s also about experience,” she says. “From a young age, I had to deal with external pressure and expectations, and I didnโ€™t know how to handle them.”

Fem-van-Empel-claims-UCI-World-Cup-opener-in-Antwerp-1Photo Credit: Cor Vos

Plans for the future

With four more cyclocross races in her calendar, Van Empel is approaching the pinnacle of her season, the World Championship in Liรฉvin. “It’s a beautiful course that should suit me. Whether it’s dry or wet, it’s bound to be an exciting race.”

After potentially capturing a third rainbow jersey, Van Empel will focus on road racing with modest ambitions. “I will assist Marianne Vos in Milan-Sanremo, and depending on my form, we’ll decide on my subsequent races.” Van Empel questions whether competing to win in the spring classics is realistic in the short term. “Everything would have to align perfectly.”

Despite contemplating her road career, Van Empel is not ready to cut back on her cyclocross schedule like Van Aert and Van der Poel. “I will continue to race from period to period, allowing for road training in between. I won’t reduce my cyclocross calendar yet, as I find the sport too beautiful.”

Main photo credit: Cor Vos