Fem van Empel’s return at the European Championships
◆2 sources
Fem van Empel finished 13th at the European Cyclocross Championships in Zeddam after a poor start, her first major international championship since returning to competition. She did not speak to the press afterwards. Her team leader said the result fell short of expectations, but that she needs time after a year away from racing and is healthy and enjoying cycling again.
Van Empel had stopped cycling late last year after losing enjoyment in the sport and experiencing mental-health problems, and returned in September with FDJ-Suez. Her team leader said she is working on a documentary about her life and her return to top-level competition.