Van Empel eyeing more than just Pieterse in Cyclocross World Championships

Fem van Empel was both European champion and World Cup winner in 2022-2023
Fem van Empel was both European champion and World Cup winner in 2022-2023 (Image credit: Jumbo-Visma)

Dutch cyclocross star Fem van Empel feels she will have to fend off the challenge of more compatriots than just Puck Pieterse in the elite women’s world championships on Saturday.

"There are a lot of other competitors tomorrow, not only Puck (Pieterse)," said a cagey Van Empel after helping the Netherlands to team relay gold on Friday. "Maybe it’s a duel or two, but we will see."