Fem van Empel secured her first victory of the 2025–26 cyclocross season on Tuesday evening, winning the Kiremko Nacht van Woerden after a thrilling duel with Aniek van Alphen. The World Champion showed both strength and composure under the floodlights in Woerden, edging out Van Alphen in the final lap, with Inge van der Heijden completing an all-Dutch podium in third.
Fast start under the lights
Returning to action just days after finishing sixth at the Superprestige Ruddervoorde, Van Empel looked determined to make amends. The 23-year-old from Visma Lease a Bike wasted no time asserting herself, leading from the gun on the fast and technical three-kilometre course around Woerden’s city centre.
Her early acceleration immediately split the field, with only Van Alphen able to hold her wheel. The Seven Racing rider briefly lost contact after a small mistake but recovered well, while Van der Heijden also rode strongly to join the pair. The race soon settled into a three-way battle at the front.
Van Alphen turns the tables
Midway through the race, Van Empel made an uncharacteristic error and was forced to change bikes, allowing Van Alphen to take advantage. The Seven Racing rider surged clear, opening a gap that looked decisive as Van der Heijden began to fade. But Van Empel responded with a powerful acceleration, gradually reeling her rival back in.
Pushing to maintain her advantage, Van Alphen overcooked a corner and slid out, losing crucial seconds and allowing Van Empel to regain contact. Despite the setback, she fought back bravely, keeping the pressure high as the two riders entered the final lap together.
World Champion prevails in the finale
In the closing minutes, the pair traded blows on the twisting Woerden circuit, but Van Empel struck decisively when it mattered most. She moved into the lead before the final section and opened a small gap that proved enough to secure the win.
Crossing the line with a relieved smile, Van Empel celebrated her second career victory at the Nacht van Woerden, following her success in 2023. The win was also her 49th cyclocross triumph and a promising sign in just her second race since returning to competition.
“It feels really nice to win here,” Van Empel said after the finish. “It’s always special to race at this event, and to come away with the victory makes it even better. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the fight with Aniek – it was a beautiful race.”
Van Alphen finished a close second after a strong and aggressive ride, while Van der Heijden took third after losing contact in the final laps.
2025 Kiremko Nacht van Woerden result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Main photo credit: Cor Vos
