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3 clusters · 16 sources · 30 days · First seen · Last updated

Fem van Empel professional cycling comeback

Overview

Dutch cyclist and three-time cyclocross world champion Fem van Empel is returning to professional competition following an indefinite hiatus that began in late 2025 to focus on her mental and physical well-being.

In September 2026, van Empel signed with the French team FDJ United-Suez. General Manager Stephen Delcourt noted the team’s priority is to support her in “rediscovering the joy of cycling.” The contract, which runs through the end of 2027, allows her to compete in both road racing and cyclocross.

Van Empel made her competitive return at the HG Cross in Meulebeke, Belgium, marking her first race in nearly a year. Despite starting near the back of the field, she surged through muddy and treacherous conditions to finish fourth, narrowly missing the podium after a sprint against Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado.

Luxembourg champion Marie Schreiber won the women’s race at the event, finishing 15 seconds ahead of Aniek van Alphen. Lucinda Brand secured third place following a recovery from an early crash that caused an ankle injury.

Entities

Fem van Empel · FDJ United-SUEZ · HG Cross · Marie Schreiber · Gerben de Knegt

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 12 sources
    Marie Schreiber wins HG Cross in Meulebeke as Fem van Empel returns

    Marie Schreiber won the HG Cross in Meulebeke, while Fem van Empel marked her return to cyclocross after a year-long absence with a fourth-place finish.

  2. [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Fem van Empel to make cyclocross comeback at HG Cross

    Three-time cyclocross world champion Fem van Empel will make her competitive comeback this Saturday at the HG Cross in Meulebeke, Belgium, following a year-long hiatus.

  3. [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Fem van Empel joins FDJ United-Suez for cycling comeback

    Dutch cyclist Fem van Empel is returning to professional racing after a hiatus, signing with the French team FDJ United-Suez to focus on her well-being and competitive career.

Sources

atni.be · cyclinguptodate.com · cyclismactu.net · escapecollective.com · esciclismo.com · exactcross.be · indeleiderstrui.nl · lequotidien.lu · limburgcycling.com · nieuwsfiets.nu · omroepbrabant.nl · tuttobiciweb.it · velo101.com · velolive.com · wielernieuws.be · wielerrevue.nl

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history