Van Empel fights her way to third place in Night of Woerden
Fem van Empel finished third in the Nacht van Woerden. The 22-year-old world champion remained in contention for victory for much of the Dutch evening cyclocross race, but a small crash in the final lap forced her to let her competitors go. This marks Van Empel’s third podium finish of the season, in as many races.
After her win in Beringen and her second-place finish in Ruddervoorde, Van Empel shot out of the blocks in her third race of the season. The Dutch rider immediately took the lead in the first lap, raising the pace together with Lucinda Brand, which resulted in a lead group of six riders.
The riders in the lead group proved evenly matched as they began the penultimate lap together. At the start of the final lap, Van Empel made a small mistake, which Brand and Marie Schreiber capitalized on. In the chase, Van Empel fought her way back to third place.
"Together with the other riders, we made it a great race"
“I came here to win, but I’m realistic about the fact that it won’t always happen,” Van Empel reflected. “I made a small mistake in the penultimate lap and unfortunately wasn’t able to close the gap afterward. Last weekend went pretty well, and today I also rode with a lot of joy. Together with the other riders, we made it a great race.”
With the European Championships in Pontevedra, Spain, scheduled in a week and a half, Van Empel’s first major goal of the season is approaching. “Before the championship, I’ll race the Koppenbergcross. It’s important to rest well between the races to make it a good week. I’m really looking forward to it.”
