Fem van Empel (FDJ United-Suez) has returned to professional cycling with a new team, nine months after stepping away from the sport because she had lost her motivation and enjoyment.
FDJ United-Suez announced her signing with immediate effect on September 17. The 24-year-old joins after ending her contract with Visma | Lease a Bike, with her new team putting the emphasis on helping her enjoy riding again.
“I am ready for a new adventure and very excited about starting from scratch. Above all, I want to have a lot of fun,” Van Empel said in the announcement.
The move comes two weeks after the Dutch rider posted an update on Instagram on her birthday, saying that she was “healthier and happier than ever”. That message made no commitment to a return, following an open-ended career pause that began on January 1.
Van Empel took two breaks from the sport last year, the first in March 2025 because of mental and physical challenges. She had just won her third world cyclocross title in a row before racing Strade Bianche and Trofeo Binda on the road.
She returned in September after deciding to step away from road racing and focus solely on cyclocross. Her return started well, with wins at Woerden and Heerde, but she then abandoned the Koppenbergcross on November 1 after racing for less than two minutes.
“During the Koppenbergcross, my body and mind gave a very clear signal,” she said when announcing her career pause in December. “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 from former cyclocross world champion Hennie Stamsnijder, who suggested that Visma had failed to protect her from overload. Commentator Thijs Al questioned whether its large race-day operation created excessive pressure. Those were outside assessments; Van Empel’s own explanation centred on losing the motivation and enjoyment that had driven her career.
Visma chief executive Richard Plugge said the team fully respected her decision.
FDJ’s multidisciplinary plans
FDJ United-Suez have billed Van Empel’s signing as another step towards becoming a fully multidisciplinary team, after adding mountain bike stars Kate Courtney and Anja Grossmann to their developing project. General manager Stephen Delcourt said the team wanted to accommodate athletes with their own ambitions and career paths.
“Our role goes beyond performance. We want to create an environment in which our athletes can progress, feel supported and flourish, both on and off the bike,” Delcourt said.
This commitment was likely key to Van Empel’s return to the sport, as it addresses the difficulties she faced before leaving Visma. It is not yet known when she will return, but it will likely be in cyclocross as the road season is coming to a close. Delcourt said helping her rediscover the pleasure of riding was the team’s priority.
It is not yet known how Van Empel will divide her time between disciplines. The mention of multiple disciplines suggests that she will have another go at racing on the road alongside her first love of cyclocross, but the balance between the two will need to be carefully considered. Some riders have found combining disciplines too demanding. Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5) recently revealed that he would not return to cyclocross as he focuses on road and mountain bike racing, allowing himself some rest in the winter.
If Van Empel resumes road racing, she could line up alongside new teammate Demi Vollering, likely supporting the superstar in Classics that suit Van Empel.
The signing takes effect immediately, but FDJ has yet to announce Van Empel’s first race or a detailed competition programme.
