'Hopefully the setbacks are behind me' – Van Empel recovers from illness for Amstel Gold Race

Visma-Lease a Bike rider Fem van Empel is “looking forward” to competing in this weekend’s Amstel Gold Race after overcoming a period of illness.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a successful cyclo-cross season, retaining her world title in February. But she fell ill after completing a road racing training camp and was forced to miss Gent–Wevelgem in March.

Van Empel recovered to compete in the Tour of Flanders, placing 17th, but she then fell ill again.

“The Tour of Flanders was a great experience with all the spectators along the roadside,” Van Empel told the Visma-Lease a Bike website. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I was sick again and spent more time in bed than on the bike for a week.

“Fortunately, I felt much better this week. Hopefully, the setbacks are behind me now.”

“I’m really looking forward to it,” she said. “It is always fun to race in your own country; I know that from the cyclo-cross races. My family will be with me.

“The profile of the Amstel Gold Race is within my capabilities, but I am especially curious about my physical condition. We have a strong team, which makes different scenarios possible. I want to make my contribution to the team.”

Van Empel’s team-mate Marianne Vos won the Amstel Gold Race in 2021 and is currently in excellent form after finishing fourth at Paris-Roubaix last weekend.

Riejanne Markus, Eva van Agt, Anna Henderson and Sophie von Berswordt Wallrabe make up the rest of the Visma-Lease a Bike team.

“I would be lying if I said we were not going for the win,” said Rutger Tijssen, Visma-Lease a Bike’s technical director. “We are starting with a solid team.

“I’m sure we’ll be fighting for victory. How great will it be to win the Amstel Gold Race again as a Dutch team?”