Fem van Empel European Cyclocross Championships 2026 result, Digi Mart USA News (Zeddam, Netherlands): The comeback of Fem van Empel at an international championship did not end in success on Saturday. The 24-year-old cyclocross rider from Den Dungen finished 13th at the European Championships in Zeddam.
After the race, she declined to speak to the press out of disappointment. Her team manager Lars Boom, however, had news to share about his fellow Brabant rider: she will soon release a documentary.
Van Empel stopped cycling at the end of last year and returned her contract to her employer Visma – Lease a Bike. She had lost her enjoyment of the sport and was dealing with mental health problems.
In September, she announced her return as a professional with the French team FDJ-Suez. Last month, she made her cyclocross comeback at the Berencross in Meulebeke, Belgium.
National coach Gerben de Knegt was satisfied with Van Empel’s progress and selected her for the European Championships on Saturday in Zeddam. After a poor start, she ultimately finished 13th.
As the first member of the Dutch team to return to the team vehicle, she later announced that she did not want to speak to the press.
Team manager Lars Boom (40) spoke and described the European Championships as a disappointing race for Van Empel. “We had higher expectations than 13th place.
At the start she quickly made a mistake, and after the first corner she came into the course last. On this course it was almost impossible to overtake; it was a chaotic mess.”
Boom, a native of Vlijmen, wants to temper the high expectations surrounding Van Empel. “She knows herself that there is work to do.
You cannot expect her to be back at her best directly after a year without races. As a team, we look back with satisfaction on the first weeks.
She will grow stronger from this race.”
Boom describes working with Van Empel as pleasant. He sees that the triple world champion is eager to learn and ambitious.
“We can mainly be proud that she is back on the bike. Fem enjoys it again, and that is the most important thing.
She is in good shape, healthy, and from here she wants to perform further.”
In earlier interviews, Van Empel indicated that she will soon tell her story, including her mental health problems and her return to cycling. According to Boom, she is working on a documentary.
“It gives a look into her life and what is needed to return to the highest level. Fem can be an example for other female cyclists who may go through this as well.”
