Fem van Empel Doubles Down on Cyclocross, Prioritizing Personal Wellbeing and Sporting Focus
Fem van Empel, the dominant force in cyclocross, has made a definitive decision to prioritize her career in the discipline, foregoing a full-time transition to road cycling despite a contract with Visma-Lease a Bike through 2027. This announcement, released by the team, signals a commitment not just to sporting success, but also to the rider’s personal wellbeing and a deeper connection with the sport she loves.
Van Empel acknowledged the road offered a different challenge.”The road were less strong than for cyclocross,” she stated. Though, once she considered her options, the path forward became clear. “once I made the choice, it immediately felt right. I fully stand behind my decision.”
Why Cyclocross? The Allure of Constant Challenge
For Van Empel, the appeal of cyclocross lies in its unpredictable nature. She thrives on the dynamic demands of the sport.
“What I enjoy the most is the constant variety,” Van Empel explained. “No race is ever the same: everything is constantly changing. That makes it both challenging and stunning.”
This constant adaptation requires a unique skillset:
* Versatility: Responding to rapidly changing course conditions.
* Speedy Decision-Making: Navigating technical sections and tactical maneuvers.
* Strategic Awareness: Constantly evaluating and adjusting race plans.
Unlike road racing, cyclocross allows Van Empel a greater degree of control over the race’s unfolding narrative, a factor that clearly resonates with her racing style.
Balancing disciplines: A Common Challenge
While several elite female cyclists successfully compete in both road and cyclocross – including Lucinda Brand, Puck Peterse, and teammate Marianne Vos – the demands of juggling both disciplines are critically important. The road racing off-season doesn’t offer respite, but rather transitions directly into a demanding cyclocross calendar filled with mud, rain, and challenging winter conditions.
This grueling schedule contributed to Van Empel’s initial struggle with identity outside of racing.She confessed to a period where,”I didn’t really know who I was outside of racing anymore.”
Reclaiming Personal Wellbeing and Focus
The decision to concentrate solely on cyclocross is, in part, a move to reclaim a sense of self and prioritize personal wellbeing. Over the past six months, Van Empel credits her team with providing the support and freedom to define her own path.
“I’ve learned to value myself more as a person, independent of results,” she shared. “I’ve mostly found myself again and that makes me vrey happy.”
This newfound clarity allows Van Empel to fully invest in the sport that brings her joy, without the added pressure of balancing competing commitments.
Looking Ahead: The 2024-2025 Cyclocross Season
The UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup kicks off on November 23rd in Tabor. The series will culminate in Hoogerheide on January 25th. All eyes will be on Van Empel as she aims for an unprecedented fourth consecutive elite women’s World Championship title,to be held in Hulst on January 31st.
“The most important thing is that I’m incredibly excited,” Van Empel concluded. ”I’m just going to dive in and do what I love most.”
This focused approach,coupled with her undeniable talent,positions Fem van Empel to continue her reign as the queen of cyclocross for years to come.
Resources:
* Visma-Lease a Bike Women’s Team
