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Van Empel claims third consecutive cyclocross world title in Liévin

Van Empel claims third consecutive cyclocross world title in Liévin

Fem van Empel has crowned herself cyclocross world champion for a third time in a row. In Liévin, in France, the 22-year-old proved the strongest…

Saturday, Feb 01

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Fem van Empel has crowned herself cyclocross world champion for a third time in a row. In Liévin, in France, the 22-year-old proved the strongest after an exciting duel with her compatriot Lucinda Brand. Puck Pieterse took the bronze medal.

After the start, top favourites Van Empel, Brand and Pieterse immediately managed to create a gap. Van Empel – who won the two previous editions of the world championships – put pressure on her compatriots in the opening laps. Halfway through the race, Pieterse was dropped at the front after another acceleration. Van Empel and Brand then gave each other little space. The Dutch duo started the final lap together. After an exciting battle, Van Empel crossed the finish line first. The Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women talent thus captured her third consecutive world title. “I don’t quite realize that I am world champion again”, Van Empel responded afterwards. “I had to dig very deep in the final. Physically it was a tough battle, but also mentally it was not easy after last weekend’s disappointing results. I came here to win, so I am extremely happy that it worked out.”

"It soon became clear that we were evenly matched"

Fem van Empel

“This course lent itself to a long battle with Lucinda and Puck. It soon became clear that we were evenly matched. Due to the weather conditions, the surface changed fast. Already after a few laps I knew where I could make the difference. I also want to congratulate Lucinda […]

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