World champion Fem van Empel (22) has won the Koppenbergcross in Oudenaarde for the third year in a row. The Dutchwoman dominated the first race of the X2O Bathrooms Trophy almost from start to finish and crossed the line with a lead of 31 seconds over Lucinda Brand. Italian Sara Casasola completed the podium.
Van Empel immediately made a good start at the foot of the mythical Koppenberg, but it was Lucinda Brand who dived into the field first. The Dutch pair defeated Casasola, Worst and Vas in the opening round.
Brand and Van Empel would not be in charge together in Oudenaarde for long. In the second round, the world champion systematically crept away from her compatriot, meter by meter, and steadily expanded her lead. “You never know on the Koppenberg, but I have the impression that Fem is having a very good day,” said Sven Nys, and ‘the king of the Koppenberg’ was right…
It quickly became clear that we were looking at another Van Empel triumph. Things completely fell apart behind the world champion. The top three riders each made their way through the bumpy field separately. It wasn’t exciting anymore, but it was impressive, especially from the world champion. The grimace on her face spoke volumes: she had to work for it in the always tough ‘Tour of Flanders of cyclo-cross’. (Continue reading below the video)
This contains inserted content from a social media network that wants to write or read cookies. You have not given permission for this.
Click here to adjust your preferences
Van Empel: “I respond to criticism with the pedals”
“This is my favorite and favorite cross,” Fem van Empel said afterwards in the flash interview. “I achieved it for the third consecutive time and that gives me great pleasure. I worked hard for it and you will be very happy if you can finish it.”
The world champion has had to deal with some criticism lately. Last season, Fem van Empel managed to win cross after cross. This season the count is only two after five games. “I respond to the critics with the pedals. Here you go, because this was a nice victory. Lucinda Brand continued to put some pressure on me, but I was able to further develop my plan. This feels good. I have been working towards this victory.”
