After the start, top favourites Van Empel, Brand and Pieterse immediately managed to create a gap. Van Empel - who won the two previous editions of the world championships - put pressure on her compatriots in the opening laps. Halfway through the race, Pieterse was dropped at the front after another acceleration. Van Empel and Brand then gave each other little space. The Dutch duo started the final lap together. After an exciting battle, Van Empel crossed the finish line first. The Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women talent thus captured her third consecutive world title.  

“I don't quite realize that I am world champion again”, Van Empel responded afterwards. “I had to dig very deep in the final. Physically it was a tough battle, but also mentally it was not easy after last weekend's disappointing results. I came here to win, so I am extremely happy that it worked out.”  

“This course lent itself to a long battle with Lucinda and Puck. It soon became clear that we were evenly matched. Due to the weather conditions, the surface changed fast. Already after a few laps I knew where I could make the difference. I also want to congratulate Lucinda on her great race. All season long she has been riding at a high level. I respect that enormously. I'm happy that I got to share the podium with Lucinda and Puck.”  

Sports director Jan Boven reflects on his rider's third world title. “It was a nervous race. Although we were at the start here with a lot of confidence. Fem was meant to be in top form this weekend and she was. This is the icing on the cake of her cyclocross season, which was certainly already successful. She already won ten races before this world championships, including the European championships. We will cherish this moment.”