Cyclocross world champion Fem van Empel pauses career indefinitely - 'The right step for me'

Following extensive discussions, Van Empel’s management and Visma | Lease a Bike agreed that from January 1 onwards, the current cyclocross world champion will no longer have a contractual obligation and will depart the Dutch team.

Back in March, Van Empel made the decision to take a step away from racing in order to prioritise her mental health and focus on physical complaints. 

In September, Van Empel announced her return to racing ahead of the cyclocross season, confirming that she would prioritise off-road racing, stating, “I’m going to do what I love most.”

Van Empel started her season with a sixth-place finish at the Superprestige round in Ruddervoorde before two victories on Dutch soil at the Kiremko Nacht Van Woerden and in Heerderstrand.

Her last race was the Koppenbergcross on November 1. Having won the race for the previous three editions, Van Empel abandoned after just the first lap in the 2025 edition, with something that the world champion clearly wasn’t happy about.

“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. This feels like the right step for me now,” said Van Empel in an official statement released by Visma | Lease a Bike.

Despite being only 23 years old, Van Empel has already achieved an incredible amount of success with 50 victories, including three elite World and European championship victories, and the UCI World Cup in 2022-23.

Van Empel joined the Dutch team in 2022 from Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal after becoming the under-23 cyclocross world champion in 2021, and combined a programme of multiple disciplines.

Visma | Lease a Bike CEO Richard Plugge paid tribute to Van Empel despite the obvious disappointment of losing a talent as big as the 23-year-old.

“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 Plugge. 

“With her talent, Fem has achieved impressive results and wrote sports history with our team, winning multiple European and world titles. It has been special to witness her development up close and to work together. We wish her every success in the future,” he added. 

Van Empel explained how she feels taking a step in a different direction is the right decision for her at the moment.

“This is a well-considered decision that I feel good about. At the moment, both the motivation and the enjoyment I have had in cycling for years are missing. I wanted to be honest and fair about this with the team. For now, this is the best choice,” said Van Empel.

“It feels like the right time for a new chapter. I am very grateful for all the support I have received from the team, my family, and the fans, and I look forward to what the future brings.”