World champion Fem van Empel gives shock update on career

Some surprising news from Visma – Lease a bike. Fem van Empel has put her pro cycling cycling career on hold. The Dutch star is stepping away from racing following a year marked by injuries and mental strain.

The WorldTour team said it was mutually agreed that Van Empel will be released from all racing commitments as of Jan. 1. This follows extensive discussions with the rider and her management.

The reigning cyclocross world champion has had a tough season this year. In March, she deliberately stepped back from racing to focus on her mental well-being. She was also managing lingering physical issues. After a period of rest, Van Empel opted not to pursue road racing further in 2025. Instead, the team said, she had set her sights on a return to ‘cross at the start of the winter campaign.

Koppenbergcross

While her training block and early races showed promise, Van Empel said something was missing. That became clear during the Koppenbergcross, where she abandoned the race mid-way.

“My body and mind gave a very clear signal there,” Van Empel said. “I don’t give up easily. But subconsciously the decision had already been made. This feels like the right step for me now.”

Team CEO Richard Plugge said the organization fully supports her choice, even if it brings an end — at least for now — to one of the most successful partnerships in women’s cyclocross.

“Fem has meant a great deal to our team and to the sport,” Plugge said. “With her talent, she achieved extraordinary results and made history with us, winning multiple European and world titles. We respect her decision. And we wish her nothing but the best.”

According to the team, every effort was made in recent weeks to help Van Empel continue in a way that felt healthy and sustainable. Ultimately, the 22-year-old concluded that stepping away was the better option at this stage of her life.

“For the first time in years, both the motivation and enjoyment I always felt in cycling are missing,” Van Empel said. “I wanted to be honest and fair with the team about that. It feels like the right moment for a new chapter.”