Van Empel had a difficult opening phase in the second World Cup race. The 22-year-old world champion started alertly, but at the end of the opening lap she suffered a puncture. She quickly managed to rejoin race leader Brand, but the latter took full advantage of a technical mistake by Van Empel in the sand moments later. Van Empel eventually finished half a minute behind her compatriot.  

“It certainly wasn't my luckiest race, but Lucinda was also simply the strongest today”, Van Empel reflected. “In the sand passage on the third lap, I rode a little too close behind her, after which I had to run. After the gap was created, I was unfortunately unable to get any closer.”  

Van Empel will now start a new training camp in preparation for the important Christmas period. She will return to racing in Herentals, mid-December.