for November 25, 2023 2:30 p.m
X²O Kortrijk (women)
13:45 Kortrijk
Eight out of eight for Fem van Empel. After a month of absence, the world champion crowned herself the queen of cyclo-cross again in Kortrijk. After a crash in the opening lap, the Dutch woman was talking about everything and everyone. A strong Lucinda Brand and Puck Pieterse were allowed on the podium of the X2O Trophy.
In Kortrijk, Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse looked into each other’s eyes again after a month.
Everyone was preparing for a new titanic battle between the duo and in the first rounds the two protagonists seemed to be shaping it: both did not budge from 1st and 2nd place in the initial phase.
Until the muddy course in Kortrijk took its toll for comeback kid Fem van Empel. The Dutch world champion had to swerve after a slide from Pieterse and crashed herself.
The doubts she expressed in advance – because she had not ridden cross-country for a month – would only be reinforced in her head at that moment. But her look gave it all away: with her teeth gritted, she started a fierce race to catch up.
The world champion first went up and over Pieterse – who had material problems, but also suffered a setback – and then also charged Lucinda Brand. The leader of the Baloise-Trek Lions ensured with a strong performance that the prescribed battle would always be a three-way battle.
But in the end Brand also had to acknowledge her superiority in the dominant world champion, who soloed to victory. Her eighth win in eight matches this season.
“It was a strange fall, but adrenaline helped”
Fem van Empel (1st): “It was a difficult course to really get away from the opposition. There was a lot of wind and the course contained many straight strips. Riding in a group was therefore often an advantage. I did have a strange fall and then it is difficult to find your rhythm again, but the adrenaline helped me to fight back. Luckily I was able to drive away afterwards, but with Brand behind you you never have to keep your legs still. She is really a fighter and it is beautiful to see where she is now.”
“For me, the focus will remain on the per weekend. Unfortunately you have to choose.”
Result X²O Kortrijk (women)
Phase by phase
Fem van Empel wins!
Eight out of eight for Fem van Empel. After a month of absence, the world champion crowned herself the queen of cyclo-cross again in Kortrijk. After a crash in the opening lap, the Dutch woman was talking about everything and everyone. A strong Lucinda Brand and Puck Pieterse were allowed on stage.
Fem van Empel leaves no doubts.
Paul Herygers
Up and over: Van Empel drives away from Brand
30″ behind for Pieterse
The match seems to be going smoothly. Fem van Empel is cycling further and further away from the competition. Brand follows at 15 seconds, Pieterse even at half a minute.
Up and about it. Van Empel zooms past Lucinda Brand at the finish line and immediately opens up a gap. Is this the final death blow?
Van Empel distances himself from Pieterse
Bad luck for Pieterse
Puck Pieterse has to get off her bike to fiddle with the chain of her bike. Fem van Empel takes advantage of the moment to connect with leader Brand. Can Pieterse fight his way back into the race?
The whole thing is on fire
An unleashed Lucinda Brand plows through the mud in Kortrijk. A handful of seconds behind the leader of the Baloise-Trek Lions, Fem van Empel places an intermediate gear. Puck Pieterse seems to be having a hard time in her wheel.
A battle between Van Empel and Pieterse? No. Lucinda Brand attacks the duo and puts pressure on her compatriots with an attack of her own. It seems to be a three-way battle.
After an impressive rush, Fem van Empel is again stuck to Puck Pieterse’s rear wheel. Lucinda Brand will also join us.
+6 seconds for Pieterse
The damage – both physically and on the chronometer – is not too bad for Fem van Empel. The Dutch woman is fighting her way back to the wheel of her compatriot Puck Pieterse. Only a gap of 6 seconds remains.
Van Empel’s fall
The slippery course takes its toll. Fem van Empel has to swerve after a slide from Puck Pieterse and crashes herself. The Dutch woman immediately jumps back on her bike.
Puck Pieterse occasionally takes the lead, but often puts himself in the wheel of Van Empel.
Paul Herygers
leading group of 5
The riders come to the finish line for the first time. The balance of power can be seen at a glance. Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse do not deviate from positions 1 and 2. Shortly behind the duo, Lucinda Brand fights to connect. Worst and Betsema follow a few lengths behind.
All favorites seem to be in the early stages. Fem van Empel has taken the lead, but Brand, Pieterse, Worst and Betsema are following in her wake.
Betsema gives herself the opportunity to get into the race. She will be happy to take advantage of that.
Paul Herygers
Pieterse and Van Empel eagerly play leapfrog. The two Dutch riders immediately put on a ribbon. When will we see the first cracks?
Bang! Puck Pieterse and Fem van Empel leave no stone unturned. The Dutch duo get off to the best start and are the first to enter the field via the bridge.
