Fem van Empel of Team Jumbo-Visma won the 6th round of the X2O Badkamers Trofee in Hamme, beating Shirin van Anrooij into second place and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado in third, making for Van Empel's 13th victory of the season.
Van Empel attacked from the first lap, establishing a decisive gap that eventually saw her win by a margin of 1:15, making for an impressive double-victory for Jumbo-Visma as Wout van Aert seized victory in the men's race too.
Van Empel's main adversary, Puck Pieterse (Alpecin-Deceuninck), wasn't present, while Lucina Brand (Baloise Trek Lions) - previously overall series leader - finished off the podium in fourth place and so has given up her overall series lead to Van Empel.
"The feeling wasn't great yet, I was still a bit tired from the internship in Spain. Fortunately, it was enough to win," said in an interview with broadcasters after the race.
Results powered by FirstCycling
-
‘Unbound 200 being my first gravel race seems a bit unhinged’ – Special ed teacher Jake Richards on his path from Little 500 to Life Time Grand Prix
'I am living my dream: teaching, living in the mountains, and racing in professional events' says Indiana native who balances full-time job as special education teacher for young teenagers in Utah -
How to watch gravel races around the world - A guide to livestreams and free broadcasts for the biggest events including The Traka, Unbound Gravel and more
Life Time will broadcast Sea Otter Classic gravel race on April 16 from Monterey, California -
'The old horse still has some kick' – Taylor Phinney announces track racing comeback as he targets 2028 Olympic Games
US rider, who retired from road racing in 2019, hopes to make USA Team Pursuit squad in Los Angeles -
Who can block Sofia Gomez Villafañe and Cameron Jones from repeat wins at Life Time Grand Prix in 2026? A look at the top contenders
The fifth off-road gravel campaign begins at Sea Otter Gravel with fresh contenders Rosa Klöser, Karolina Migoń, Cobe Freeburn and Simen Nordahl Svendsen among returning favourites
