[REVISION HISTORY]
Fem van Empel professional cycling comeback
Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.
What changed
2026-10-17 12:31 UTC → 2026-10-17 20:41 UTC ·
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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 is scheduled to make made her competitive return in cyclocross at the HG Cross in Meulebeke, Belgium, marking her first race in nearly a year. This return follows her early withdrawal from Despite starting near the Koppenbergcross in November 2025. While competing for back of the Specialized TMRW team, field, she expressed pride in her journey back surged through muddy and treacherous conditions to competition. The HG Cross field includes notable riders such as Lucinda Brand, finish fourth, narrowly missing the podium after a sprint against Ceylin Del del Carmen Alvarado, and 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.
Versions
- 2026-10-17 20:41 UTC Fem van Empel professional cycling comeback
- 2026-10-17 12:31 UTC Fem van Empel professional cycling comeback
- 2026-10-16 07:33 UTC Fem van Empel professional cycling comeback
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