Van Empel dominates from start to finish in Hamme
Fem van Empel has won the Flandriencross in Hamme for the second year in a row. After a fast start, the ride from Visma | Lease, a Bike, rode seemingly effortlessly to her 16th victory of the season and sixth in the X2O Trophy.
Van Empel set the pace right from the start. On a technical course, the 21-year-old world champion soon found herself alone at the front. Lap after lap, Van Empel extended her lead over the chasing pack, gaining more than a minute. The Dutchwoman eventually won the race. Lucinda Brand and Manon Bakker completed the podium.
"I felt great today”, Van Empel said. "On a track like this, with many deep ruts in the surface, it was an advantage to ride alone. I could always choose my own route. So, I tried to set a high pace from the start. I'm happy that I succeeded."
Van Empel, who remained unbeaten in the X2O Trophy with her sixth win, extended her lead in the standings to almost seven minutes. "I dare not say that the overall victory is already mine. There are two more races in Lille and Brussels, where I can win or lose ten minutes. I have to work hard to defend my lead in the overall standings.”
