Van Empel returns to cyclocross with fourth place in Meulebeke

Fem van Empel returned to cyclocross with fourth place at the Berencross in Meulebeke, Belgium, nearly a year after stepping away from the sport while dealing with mental health problems. The three-time world champion finished 35 seconds behind winner Marie Schreiber of Luxembourg, with Aniek van Alphen and reigning world champion Lucinda Brand also ahead of her. [1]

The 24-year-old last raced at the Koppenbergcross in Oudenaarde on 1 November last year. Soon afterwards, she gave up her contract with Dutch team Visma–Lease a Bike and announced an indefinite break from cycling, saying she had lost her enjoyment of the sport and was struggling with mental health problems. [1]