Fem van Empel announced last week that she is putting her career on hold and leaving Visma-Lease a Bike. The Dutch woman has now also given some more explanation.
Since her retirement in the Koppenbergcross on November 1, Fem van Empel has not played anymore and it has also been quiet around the three-time world champion. Last Friday she announced that she will stop racing (temporarily).
Van Empel has now provided some more explanation about that decision on LinkedIn. “I have decided to put my cycling career on hold for an indefinite period. A conscious, well-considered choice that I fully support.”
Van Empel declares farewell
“At the moment I miss the pleasure and enthusiasm for cycling that I felt for years. That is why I am now giving myself the space to discover who I am and what I want to do. It is a leap into the unknown, but one that gives me confidence and freedom.”
“I am grateful for all the support I have received from the team, my family and the fans. I look forward to seeing what the future holds and what new challenges and opportunities will come my way.”
Van Empel rode four crosses this season and recorded two more victories in Woerden and Heerderstrand. That victory in Heerderstrand was her 50th of her professional career and also her last for the time being.
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