Fem van Empel to restart racing career with FDJ United-Suez after break

Dutch cyclo-cross star Fem van Empel is set to restart her racing career this autumn after signing for FDJ United-Suez with immediate effect. The announcement comes ten months after she originally announced she would be taking a break from racing.

The 24-year-old rider ended her 2025/26 cyclo-cross campaign early in November last year. In December, shortly after celebrating her 50th major CX victory, she confirmed her decision to pause her career, citing a lack of motivation and enjoyment of the sport.

In March, Van Empel had stated that her hiatus would be indefinite, with no road racing return planned for 2026. However, her immediate signing with FDJ United-Suez officially paves the way for her return to competitive cycling this autumn.