Van Empel started strong on the challenging French course, taking the lead in the first lap and never looking back. The slippery and demanding terrain played to her strengths as she maintained control throughout the race.

Afterwards, Van Empel was visibly pleased with her performance. “It was a fun race with an amazing crowd. The course was very slippery, so riding solo was no problem—in fact, it worked to my advantage. My start was perfect, I think, and from there, I kept my own pace to the finish. That proved enough for the win. I made very few mistakes today, and I think it’s fair to say that I’m in good shape”, the world champion reflected with satisfaction.

Her teammate, eight-time cyclocross world champion Marianne Vos, was also content with her first race of the season, finishing fifth. “I’m a pretty happy person right now. It was definitely a tough race, but I’m pleased that I was able to move up through the pack. I didn’t have much energy left at the end, but I kept fighting all the way to the line. I was completely empty at the finish, but I’m very satisfied with my comeback.”