Cyclocross world champion Fem van Empel has decided to put her cycling career on indefinite hold, mutually agreeing with Visma-Lease a Bike to end her contract on January 1.
The multi-discipline star took a previous break back in March as the “best step for my mental health and well-being,” before returning from her period of recovery to the road in September and more recently kicking off her 2025-26 cyclocross season with two wins from four.
“During the Koppenbergcross, my body and mind gave a very clear signal. I am someone who doesn’t give up easily, but unconsciously, a decision had already formed then,” said Van Empel. “This feels like the right step for me now.”
“Of course, it’s unfortunate that Fem is leaving us, but we fully respect her decision. She has meant a great deal to our team and to cyclocross in general,” said Visma-Lease a Bike CEO Richard Plugge.
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