Three-time world cyclocross champion Fem van Empel has decided to take an indefinite break from competitive cycling. "My body and mind have sent a very clear signal. At the moment, I'm lacking the motivation and pleasure that cycling has given me for years": with these words, shared in a note released by Team Visma Lease a Bike in recent hours, the 23-year-old Dutch athlete explained her decision.

The choice of the talented "orange" athlete is certainly not a bolt from the blue, given that already in March, after Strade Bianche and Trofeo Binda (long in the breakaway, ed.), Fem had stopped competing, explaining that her priority was her psychophysical well-being. The declared goal was to return to full form for the cyclocross season, but after third place at the national Gravel championship at the end of September and two victories at the Kiremko Nacht van Woerden and Internationale Cyclocross Heerderstrand, she withdrew from the Koppenbergcross and skipped the Europeans. "I'm a person who doesn't give up easily, but unconsciously a decision had already formed" van Empel said, referring to those days.

From the document published by Visma Lease a Bike, it is learned that in recent times the team and the athlete sought a solution that would allow Fem to remain in the sport, but the young athlete chose otherwise and thus from January 1, 2026, she will no longer be tied to the yellow team.

Richard Plugge, CEO of Team Visma Lease a Bike, commented: "It's a shame that Fem is leaving us, but we fully respect her decision. She has meant a great deal to our team and to cyclocross in general. With her talent, Fem has achieved extraordinary results and written the history of the sport with our team, winning numerous European and world titles. It was special to witness her growth up close and work with her. We wish her every success in the future".