Visma-Lease a Bike rider Fem van Empel is gearing up to compete in the Amstel Gold Race after overcoming a bout of illness. The 21-year-old, who successfully defended her world title in February, fell ill after finishing a road racing training camp and had to sit out the Gent-Wevelgem race in March. Despite dealing with illness during the Tour of Flanders, where she placed 17th, Van Empel is looking forward to the upcoming race in front of a Dutch home crowd. She expressed excitement about racing in her own country and the support of her family, noting that the race profile suits her abilities and that she aims to contribute to her team’s success.
Van Empel’s team-mate Marianne Vos, who won the Amstel Gold Race in 2021, is in top form, having finished fourth at Paris-Roubaix. The Visma-Lease a Bike team, consisting of Riejanne Markus, Eva van Agt, Anna Henderson, and Sophie von Berswordt Wallrabe, is also strong and will be aiming for victory in the upcoming race. The team’s technical director, Rutger Tijssen, expressed confidence in their ability to contend for the win and highlighted the significance of winning the Amstel Gold race as a Dutch team. With a solid team and high expectations, Van Empel and her teammates are prepared to give their all in pursuit of victory.
Van Empel’s road to recovery after battling illness has been a challenging one, but she is determined to put the setbacks behind her and focus on her physical condition leading up to the Amstel Gold Race. Her experience at the Tour of Flanders, despite being unwell, was memorable due to the enthusiastic spectators along the course. Despite spending more time in bed than on her bike, Van Empel now feels much better and is eager to showcase her abilities at the upcoming race. The support of her family and the opportunity to race in front of a home crowd adds to her anticipation for the event.
The Amstel Gold Race, a prestigious cycling event in the Netherlands, provides a platform for Van Empel and her teammates to demonstrate their skills and competitiveness. With Vos’ recent success and the team’s strong lineup, the Visma-Lease a Bike squad is poised for a strong showing in the race. Van Empel’s resilience in overcoming setbacks and her determination to give her best for the team reflect her dedication to the sport and her desire to contribute to their success. As they prepare to compete against top cyclists in the Amstel Gold Race, Van Empel and her teammates are focused on their goal of securing victory and showcasing their talents on the international stage.
The Amstel Gold Race will be broadcast live on Eurosport and discovery+, offering fans the opportunity to watch the top cycling action unfold. With Van Empel and her Visma-Lease a Bike team primed for a competitive showing, viewers can expect an exciting race as the riders navigate the challenging course and vie for victory. The race’s significance as a Dutch team winning the prestigious event adds to the excitement surrounding the event, as the team aims to continue their success and secure a notable achievement in the world of cycling. Tune in to discovery+ to witness the action as Van Empel and her teammates take on the Amstel Gold Race in pursuit of victory.
