Fem van Empel was a notable absentee last weekend at the European Cyclocross Championships in Middelkerke, and she will remain out of action for the time being. The Jaarmarktcross in Niel is also no longer on her schedule.
The organizers of the Superprestige event confirmed to us that the world champion will not be back until Tuesday, November 11. Belgian Marion Norbert-Riberolle is another big name absent. The national champion suffered a cut on her back the day after the European Championships.
Last week, Visma | Lease a Bike, Van Empel’s team, announced that she would spend the rest of the week in Spain, training under the Spanish sun to prepare for the remainder of the season.
This was necessary after she had to withdraw early from the Koppenbergcross due to illness earlier in the week. It is still unknown when the world champion will return to competition.
