Winner in the 2021 World Cup stage in Vermiglio, the Dutch youngster looks to a repeat in Trentino on Saturday, December 17th. “Val di Sole will always mark my breakthrough on the Elite World Cup stage”
Fem Van Empel knows her mind. The Dutch rider coming from S’Hertogenbosch, a town in the Northern Brabant known for cyclocross (the city hosted two editions of the European Champs, 2018 and 2020) and top-notch tennis, is not willing to give up her title of Queen of the snow.
Thanks to last year’s triumph in Val di Sole, after an exciting head-to-head with an all-time legend like Marianne Vos, the rider of Team Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal earned herself a spot in the élite of cycling. Her next goal is going for repeat in Vermiglio on the occasion of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup stage 10, scheduled for Saturday, December 17th in Vermiglio (Trentino).
“I am in good shape, I can’t wait to race in Val di Sole”, said the World Cup leader, winner of five stages already this year. – “Last year, I took what was my breakout success in the Elite World Cup in Vermiglio, made even more special by the duel with Marianne, a magic moment celebrated by the fans. Val di Sole is a unique race, that has left a mark in cyclocross history”.
Van Empel adapted immediately to the technical passages of Vermiglio’s ring in the 2021 edition, and her versatility stunned rivals and technical experts. “There is no recipe to win on the snow”, admitted the 2021 U23 World Champion. – “The race was a novelty for everyone last year, with different dynamics compared to the rest of the World Cup. I tried to ride avoiding changes of trajectory. It’s fundamental to keep your nerve in case of difficult moments. Focus is the secret of success, in addition to a bit of luck”.
The Dutch rider dreams to one day making her way to the Winter Olympic Games riding in cyclocross, as many of her colleagues. The World Cup stage in Val di Sole is indeed strategic in view of the possible inclusion of the cyclocross in the Olympic program.
“Cyclocross has everything in place to enter the Olympic program, especially the 'snowcross' formula. Currently, Cyclocross is practiced in a few countries, with Belgium and Netherlands as worldwide references. I think it will take time, but I believe that this project represents a great opportunity to give visibility to cyclocross”.
UCI World Cup stage in Val di Sole will start on Friday, December 16th, with a free practice session, from 14.00 to 16.00 CET, in view of the Saturday races, preceded by another session of free practice (from 10.45 to 12.45 CET). The Elite Women race starts at 13.00 CET, followed by the Men’s race at 14.30 CET. After the competitions, the rider party will bring extra fun starting from 16.00 CET. Tickets are available at www.valdisolebikeland.com.
