Fighting Van Empel second in Superprestige Overijse
Fem van Empel finished second in the Superprestige race in Overijse. On the technical course, the 22-year-old Dutch rider was only beaten by compatriot Lucinda Brand.
Van Empel had a good start in the Druivencross, a classic on the cyclocross calendar. Together with several other favourites, the world champion forced the first gap in the race. On the third lap, the Dutch countered an attack by Brand and Casasola. After a short catch-up race, she seemed to join the front duo, but at that moment Brand accelerated again.
Van Empel then pursued solo, but she could not close the 10-second gap to the Dutch champion. After two races, Van Empel and Brand share the lead in the Superprestige classification.
"Brand accelerated at the right moment"
“Unfortunately, I couldn't close the gap to Brand anymore”, Van Empel responded afterwards. “She accelerated at the right moment. After that it fell silent for a while. I can't blame myself today. I'm satisfied with this second place.”
Van Empel had a consistent start to the season. She achieved four podium finishes in as many races. “This season I rode to a podium spot in every race. My feeling on the bike is getting better and better. I'm really looking forward to the coming week, with the Koppenbergcross and the European Championships. Two races I have my sights set on.”
