Former World Champion Fem van Empel Returns to Road Cycling

Former world cyclo-cross champion Fem van Empel has officially announced her comeback to road cycling, marking an immediate return to the sport after a break of nearly a year. The Dutch athlete, who previously stepped away from competition due to a reported loss of enjoyment and drive, is now set to join the FDJ-SUEZ team.

Van Empel's decision to pause her career last December came after a period where she felt a disconnect from the sport she once dominated. Her former team, Visma-Lease a Bike, acknowledged her sentiments, stating they had made every effort to retain her. However, Van Empel emphasized that her choice was deeply considered and driven by a need to be honest about her dwindling motivation.

A Fresh Start with FDJ-SUEZ

Fem van Empel, a celebrated three-time elite cyclo-cross world champion, is embarking on a new chapter in her cycling journey by joining FDJ-SUEZ. This move signifies a fresh beginning for the Dutch rider, who had taken a break from the sport for nearly a year due to a loss of motivation and joy. Her decision to return with the French team, which boasts prominent names like Tour de France Femmes champion Demi Vollering and rising British talent Lauren Dickson, underscores her renewed enthusiasm and readiness to embrace the challenges of road racing once more. Van Empel has expressed her excitement about starting from scratch and, most importantly, rediscovering the enjoyment that initially drew her to cycling.

The announcement of Van Empel's return has been met with anticipation, particularly regarding her integration into the FDJ-SUEZ lineup. Her previous departure from Visma-Lease a Bike was a candid acknowledgment of the emotional and mental toll professional cycling can take. Now, she is keen to channel her energy into a supportive team environment where the focus is not just on performance but also on the personal well-being and happiness of its riders. With FDJ-SUEZ, Van Empel aims to rebuild her career on the road, drawing on her immense talent and the fresh perspective gained during her time away, all while aiming to recapture the pure joy of riding.

Team Support and Future Prospects

The FDJ-SUEZ team is fully committed to supporting Fem van Empel as she re-enters the competitive cycling world. Stephen Delacourt, the team's general manager, has highlighted that their primary goal is to help Van Empel reignite her passion for the sport, ensuring she finds joy, freedom, and the ability to express her extraordinary talent once again. This commitment extends beyond mere athletic performance, focusing on her overall well-being and helping her transition smoothly back into professional racing after her hiatus. The team's approach emphasizes a nurturing environment that prioritizes the rider's happiness and mental state.

Van Empel's last competitive appearance was at the Choralis Fourmies Féminine in mid-September last year, and she has not raced since withdrawing from the Koppenbergcross in the Netherlands. Her return is eagerly awaited by fans and the cycling community alike, curious to see how she will perform on the road after her break. While her exact race schedule is yet to be disclosed, the emphasis from both Van Empel and the FDJ-SUEZ team is on a gradual and enjoyable re-introduction to racing. This careful approach aims to ensure she can not only perform at her best but also truly relish every moment of her renewed career.