“I Have Full Confidence” – 21-Year-Old Dutch Cyclist Relaxed About UCI Cyclocross After Persistent Victories and World Cup Titles 

Echoing loud in professional cycling games, Fem van Empel has emerged as the sport’s reigning champion in recent times. As the 2024 UCI Cyclocross World Championships loomed, this 21-year-old Dutch icon boasted an audacious count of victories under her belt. Ranging from World Cup titles to consistent triumphs this season, her saddleback prowess peaked in every take. 

And now, exuding calm and confidence for her courses ahead, Van Empel’s cycling strategies spoke volumes during a candid exchange. With 17 victories and 5 World Cup wins this year, she expressed relief in planning her future games. Defying all odds, the Dutch dynamo seized her podium spot in Hoogerheide on January 28 while sharing vivid details from her illustrious journey till date. 

Pro cycling athlete prepares for glorious victories in future 

Despite facing consistent attacks from her cycling opponents, Van Empel was seen holding on to her power-packed reputation. Overtaking seasoned athletes, Blanka Vas and Lucinda Brand, she rebounded with six more victories. Although Puck Pieterse broke her 11-race winning streak, the dedicated rider also marked her true potential at the final World Cup events. 

Outmaneuvering her cycling competitors, Van Empel’s sporting mantra remained unchanged as she noted the palpable tension during the race. In a passionate take about her saddleback journeys, the Dutch cyclist remarked, “I just prepare myself”, adding, “I have full confidence in it. I just have to bring my good legs and then try to finish.”

Significantly, Van Empel’s cycling accolades landed her a leadership role in the Dutch crew, including notable riders like Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado. A former world champion, she boasted three pivotal wins in the World Cup alongside a series title. Adding to the buzz, two-time World Cup rounds victor, Lucinda Brand, also graced this spirited squad. 

Saddleback event encapsulates passion for title

With back-to-back cycling titles in the games last weekend, Van Empel gained a widespread appreciation for her performance at Flandriencross. While the UCI tracks saw her successful pedals, Marie Schreiber marked the pace in the first few corners. As Puck Pieterse faced struggles with matching the momentum, Lucinda Brand was seen at the second position, surging ahead in a neat ride. 

Read More: 17-year old American cycling prodigy suffers a terrible end to his life

With the first lap of the cycling event coming to an end, the venue witnessed Van Empel and Brand steering clear of the group. However, within mere moments, the trip became a crew of five, as Blanka Vas and Pieterse also joined the scene. While the Dutch star used her primary climb to outsmart her rivals at every lap, she noted the effects of the headwind that emerged just near the finishing line. 

Subsequently, the cycling tracks recorded Marie Schreiber’s strategic attacks while Carmen Alvarado dropped at the beginning of the third lap. Followed by a sudden hold-up from the mechanical teams. These setbacks marked impacts on her racing score. With no barriers in van Empel’s saddleback win, the event saw another chapter in her already exceptional season. 

With the coveted rainbow jersey within her arm’s reach, cycling professional Fem van Empel shared fruitful hopes for the upcoming games in Tábor. Embodying the spirits of a true champion, she remained intensely focused while prepping up to conquer whatever challenges lay ahead. 

Watch This Story: Optimize your cycling performance with these four essential core exercises