Van Empel narrowly misses podium finish at World Cup Hoogerheide
Fem van Empel finished fourth in the final World Cup race of the season. The Dutch rider, who had an off day yesterday in Maasmechelen, seemed to be on track for a podium finish for much of the race in Hoogerheide but ultimately had to concede third place to Puck Pieterse. Lucinda Brand took the victory in Hoogerheide.
In the final test before the World Championships in Liévin, Van Empel didn’t have the best opening lap. The world champion started fast but briefly dropped back. In the second lap, the Dutch rider fought her way back to the front and, together with Pieterse and Blanka Vas, pursued leader Brand. In the fourth lap, Van Empel appeared poised to claim second place, but a slip in a slick corner meant she had to settle for fourth.
"I’m feeling good and very confident heading into next week’s World Championships"
“The feeling was much better than yesterday”, Van Empel reflected. “I came back strong and rode well until the crash. Of course, it would’ve been nicer if it had been a great weekend, but I’m feeling good and very confident heading into next week’s World Championships. The coming days will mainly be about recovery to ensure I’m fresh at the start in France on Saturday.”
Update Marianne:
In addition to Van Empel, Marianne Vos also lined up in Hoogerheide. However, after her crash yesterday during the World Cup in Maasmechelen, Vos experienced calf pain and had to abandon the race in the first lap. Over the next few days, her recovery will be closely monitored ahead of next Saturday’s World Championships.
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