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In first race for Jumbo-Visma, van Empel rules X2O Trofee’s GP Sven Nys

Canada's Holmgren twins ring in the new year with a one-two in the junior race

January 1, 2023
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The rubber ducks were back to ring in the new year! In her first race for Jumbo-Visma, Fem van Empel triumphed in the GP Sven Nys, the third round of the 2022-2023 X2O Badkamers Trofee in Baal, Belgium. Sailing to her 10th victory of the season, van Empel pulled closer to Denise Betsema in the overall standings. Maghalie Rochette was top Canadian in ninth and Sidney McGill placed 11th.

Canadian twins Isabella and Ava Holmgren went one-two in the junior women’s race, elite national champion Ava 28 seconds behind her junior national champion sister. The duo was in the top 10 of the first X2O Trofee elite women’s race, the Koppenbergcross. North Americans swept the podium. Ian Ackert placed 11th in the junior men’s race.

After two rounds Denise Betsema led Fem van Empel by almost four minutes without having a win. Van Empel claimed the opening round in early November and Marianne Vos powered to victory in Round 2. World champion Vos, Puck Pieterse and Shirin van Anrooij missed Sunday’s third round.

The Canadian contingent was Maghalie Rochette, Sidney McGill, Siobhan Kelly, Jenaya Francis and Christiane Bilodeau.

Van Empel was loose on Lap 1. Betsema and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado were the closest chasers, before Lucinda Brand came forward to replace Betsema. Van Empel took 14 seconds into the second circuit.

Van Empel takes 14 seconds into the second lap.

Brand put some mud between herself and Alvarado on Lap 2. Alvarado was having all sorts of difficulties, which brought Marion Norbert Riberolle onto her wheel. The mud was tenacious and required regular bike changes.

Brand carried on as the lone pursuer on Lap 3 of 5, far behind van Empel and considerably ahead of Alvarado. Riberolle had dropped off Betsema.

Brand in hot pursuit.

The gap was up to 1:10 going into the penultimate lap. Alvarado was 29 seconds in arrears of Brand. Riberolle and Betsema were back together hoping to run down Alvarado to contest the final podium spot.

Brand hung tough to her runner-up spot. She has now taken four straight podiums after early season problems because of a broken hand. Betsema was +3:12 and has only a 46 second lead now.

The fourth round of the X2O Badkamers Troffee is Tuesday in Herentals.

X2O Badkamers Troffee, Round 3, Baal-GP Sven Nys
1) Fem van Empel (The Netherlands/Jumbo-Visma) 50:50
2) Lucinda Brand (The Netherlands/Baloise Trek Lions) +2:00
3) Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (The Netherlands/Alpecin-Deceuninck) +2:27
9) Maghalie Rochette (Canada) +5:45
11) Sidney McGill (Canada) 7:30
35) Jenaya Francis (Canada)
40) Christiane Bilodeau (Canada)
42) Siobhan Kelly (Canada)