Fem van Empel is set to kick off her road racing season at Dwars door Vlaanderen, three days later than planned, following her withdrawal from Gent-Wevelgem due to fitness concerns. The Visma-Lease a Bike rider, reigning cyclocross world champion, is eager to make her mark on Wednesday’s one-day classic.
Initially slated to compete in Gent-Wevelgem last Sunday, the 21-year-old cyclist from Den Dungen was forced to sit out due to her condition not being up to par. However, she is now poised to return to action in Dwars door Vlaanderen, signalling her recovery.
Visma – Lease a Bike announced Van Empel’s inclusion in the team’s lineup for Dwars door Vlaanderen, where she is expected to play a supporting role alongside the likes of Marianne Vos, the reigning champion of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Margaux Vigie, Maud Oudeman, Nienke Veenhoven, and Sophie von Berswordt complete the team’s roster.
Van Empel expressed her disappointment at missing Gent-Wevelgem but is looking forward to her first road race of the 2024 season. She stated, “I had a good block of training and am curious to see where I stand at the moment.”
While Van Empel may not be the designated leader for Visma-Lease a Bike in Dwars door Vlaanderen, her return to the peloton adds depth to the team’s lineup, bolstering their chances in the midweek classic.
