Fem van Empel says she is “healthier and happier than ever” around nine months after placing her professional cycling career on hold indefinitely.
The Dutchwoman shared an update on her Instagram on Thursday, September 3, her 24th birthday, to say that she is in a much better place than she was before stepping away from the pressures of the sport. She has been one of the most successful cyclocross riders in recent times, winning the world title three times.
“My younger self would be so proud,” Van Empel said on her Instagram. “I am grateful for where I am now: I am healthier and happier than ever! Cheers to the fact that I am now 24 years old!”
This is the clearest indication of her wellbeing since she and Visma | Lease a Bike ended her contract in December 2025. Her career pause officially began on January 1, 2026. It is unknown if she will return to cycling or not.
Van Empel had completely lost the motivation and enjoyment that had driven her in the sport up to that point, so she decided to put her career on hold indefinitely.
“That is why I am giving myself the space now to discover who I am and what I would like to do,” she said at the time. “It is a leap into the unknown, but one that gives me confidence and freedom.”
The path to Van Empel’s career pause
Van Empel initially took time away from competition in March 2025 due to mental and physical challenges just after she won her third world title in a row in cyclocross and raced Strade Bianche and Trofeo Binda on the road. However, she paused up until September where she decided to re-focus entirely on cyclocross.
She returned to cross with immediate success with a third and sixth place followed by two wins Woerden and Heerde but then DNFd the Koppenbergcross race after just two minutes of racing after completing less than half a lap.
“During the Koppenbergcross, my body and mind gave a very clear signal,” she said when announcing her pause. “I am someone who does not give up easily, but unconsciously the decision had already taken shape then. This now feels like the right step for me.”
Her departure prompted criticism of Visma | Lease a Bike’s handling of her workload. Former world champion Hennie Stamsnijder argued that the team had failed to protect her from overload, while commentator Thijs Al questioned whether its large race-day presence had created an overly intense environment.
Van Empel has made no commitment about returning. Asked previously about her sporting future, she said it was too early to decide and that another discipline could appeal.
“I like doing many different things, so perhaps I will take up another sport,” she said. “I will see what comes my way.”
