FDJ-Suez strengthen an already super strong Vollering support squad by signing a returning world champion: ‘Rediscover the joy of cycling’

Fem van Empel is back! The Dutch rider will return to the cycling world, but will no longer ride for Visma | Lease a Bike. The 24-year-old prodigy will join FDJ-SUEZ alongside Demi Vollering. The French team has announced the immediate arrival of the three-time cyclocross world champion, who is returning after a long absence.

Van Empel had been struggling with various issues for some time. After saying goodbye to road racing last year, she decided to put her entire cycling career on hold to focus on her mental health. Now she’s returning. “I’m ready for a new adventure and I’m really looking forward to starting all over again,” she says on her new team’s website. “Above all, I want to have a lot of fun.”

Stephen Delcourt, the team’s general manager, is overjoyed. “Fem’s arrival means a lot to us. We all know what a great champion she is and everything she’s already accomplished. But today, our top priority is to support her so she can rediscover the joy of cycling, her smile, and the freedom to fully express herself.”

It is unclear whether Van Empel will return to road racing. For now, she will be the face of the off-road division. “With Fem, just as with Anja Grossmann and Kate Courtney (mountain bikers, ed.), we’re strengthening our ambition to build a truly multidisciplinary project capable of welcoming amazing advocates with their own backgrounds, personalities, and ambitions.”

It is not yet known when Van Empel will return. What is certain, however, is that FDJ-SUEZ wants to take it easy with the 24-year-old Dutch rider. “Our role goes beyond just performance. We want to create an environment where our athletes can make progress, feel supported, and excel, both on and off the bike.”

"Above all, we can't wait to see Fem back on her bike, looking radiant, enjoying the competition, and truly blossoming as an athlete and as a woman. The rest will follow naturally," Delcourt concludes.