Fem van Empel continued her remarkable season by winning the Besançon World Cup Cyclocross race, notching her eighth victory of the season and solidifying her status as one of the top competitors this year. The event, held under challenging icy conditions, saw her take the lead early and maintain it throughout the race, outperforming her rivals with what can only be described as sheer determination and skill.
Lucinda Brand, who has been proving her mettle all season, chased Van Empel to secure second place, adding another podium finish to her dossier. Meanwhile, the legendary Marianne Vos made her long-awaited return to competitive cycling after two years away, finishing fifth. This race marked her first cyclocross event since her hiatus, and her performance showed glimpses of the formidable athlete she is known to be.
The icy surface at Besançon contributed to the race's complexity. During the reconnaissance rounds prior to the race, competitors were warned of the slippery terrain. Early mishaps, like fallings, contributed to the tough atmosphere, as seen when Luxembourg’s Marie Schreiber took a tumble, inadvertently giving Van Empel the opportunity to seize control.
Once she took the lead, Van Empel didn't look back. Halfway through the race, she had created enough distance from the pack to ride confidently, focusing on her lines and maintaining her pace. Brand, along with competitors Blanka Vas and Zoë Backstedt, tried to close the gap, but Van Empel's lead proved too significant to overcome.
Reflecting on her performance, Van Empel stated, "Het ging volledig volgens plan. Ik heb weinig foutjes gemaakt. Je weet nooit hoe het loopt, maar een goede start is altijd belangrijk. Op kop kon ik mijn eigen lijnen rijden." This sentiment highlights her strategic approach and confidence during the race.
On the other hand, Vos showed her resilience as she battled from 13th position to finish 5th. Her comeback was marked by determination, as she maneuvered past competitors during the race. Upon completing the event, Vos expressed satisfaction with her performance, saying, "Ik ben best wel blij. Je weet nooit wat je mag verwachten, maar toen ik kon opschuiven naar plek 8, 7 en 5, was ik wel blij. Ik voelde ook wel dat ik weinig energie overhield in de laatste rondjes... Ik ga hier even van herstellen en dan trainen voor de volgende." Her comments reflect both surprise and optimism about her performance and future races.
The final podium positions revealed Van Empel’s dominance, Brand’s consistency, and the potential of up-and-coming stars like Vas and Backstedt, all fighting for their share of success. The battle for podium placements intensified as the race progressed, with Vos making every effort to beat Backstedt, though she ended without securing higher than fifth.
The outcome of the race not only demonstrated Van Empel's remarkable skill but also solidified her standing within the World Cup overall rankings. Brand's regular podium finishes also kept her at the top of the leaderboard. Overhead, speculation about how this season’s outcomes might influence riders’ preparations for upcoming championship races grew, especially concerning Vos who hinted at future competitions.
Overall, the Besançon World Cup Cyclocross was not just another race but reaffirmed the intensity and competitiveness of cyclocross. Fem van Empel has established herself firmly as the rider to beat, making her next appearances something to watch, especially as the season progresses and the stakes heighten.