Van Empel returns with victory in the Antwerp CX World Cup

Van Empel takes the victory in the Antwerp CX World Cup. The Dutchwoman shared the lead with Brand during the first half of the race, although she went solo just as Pieterse wanted to join the party. The result extends a dream season in which the rainbow has signed eleven victories in eleven races. 

Van Empel returns and also wins at the Antwerp CX World Cup

Schreiber was the fastest out of the gate and took the first lead of the race. The honor of leading the peloton didn't last long, as Brand took control and increased the pace so much that only Van Empel -the favorite returned to the World Cup after almost two months of absence- was able to withstand the pull.

Brand handed over the baton to Van Empel and the rainbow successfully replaced her compatriot. The two riders understood each other well and opened an 8-second gap at the end of the first lap. Behind them, the chasing group had been reduced to three luxury units: Alvarado, Pieterse and Van der Heijden.

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The coalition government remained stable even though at times Van Empel seemed to pull away. The intensity of Brand found comfort in the wheel of Van Empel, who had fully assumed the responsibility of setting the pace.

Brand reattached to Van Empel, while the chasing trio disintegrated: Pieterse started the watt machine and cut a good part of the distance that separated her from the head, Alvarado held the line and Van der Heijden lost quite a few seconds.

Pieterse's work was watered down when Brand increased the pace and reopened a gap that was almost healed. Van Empel responded to her travel companion and the advantage returned to 9 seconds.

Even so, the persistence paid off and Pieterse materialized the hunt shortly after. The riders had passed the halfway point of the race and the victory was going to be decided among the three members of the head. 

Pieterse's arrival was a mirage. Van Empel welcomed her with a pace that was gradually unhooking Brand and Pieterse herself. The move left the two riders without an answer, as they saw how the rainbow faded in the distance. 

The duel for the second position was also more or less resolved at that moment. Brand remained flawless, while Pieterse perhaps accused the wear and tear of the climb and was relegated to almost 20 seconds from the second place.

The penultimate lap started with the first three positions quite settled. Brand timidly cut back on Van Empel, although the margin that separated them both seemed enough income for the world champion. The passage of the curves confirmed Van Empel's leadership and the solid positions of Brand and Pieterse, who were riding without threats behind.

Van Empel continued pedaling with authority and, after completing the last lap without incidents, entered the finish line to raise her arms and win the Antwerp CX World Cup. Spectacular season for the Dutchwoman: eleven victories in eleven races.

Brand finished second after a good performance in which she kept her options until Van Empel's burst. Pieterse had to settle for third place after losing time once she completed the comeback.

Elite Women's Results - Antwerp CX World Cup

1. Fem Van Empel 52'00"
2. Lucinda Brand +18"
3. Puck Pieterse +55"
4. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado +1'26"
5. Laura Verdonschot +1'36"
6. Shirin Van Anrooij +1'47"
7. Inge Van der Heijden +2'06"
8. Marie Schreiber +2'17"
9. Leonie Bentveld +2'35’’
10. Zoe Backstedt +2'42"