The Dutch cyclist Fem van Empel, 24, has officially joined the FDJ United-SUEZ team, as announced by the French cycling team on Thursday, September 17. Van Empel, a former world champion in cyclocross, had been taking a break from competitive cycling for several months before making this new move. Cyclocross is a type of off-road cycling race that takes place on muddy, sometimes uneven terrain, often with barriers and obstacles that riders must navigate. It is a popular discipline in the cycling world, especially in Europe, and Van Empel had previously excelled in this format, earning her the title of world champion. FDJ United-SUEZ is a professional cycling team based in France that competes in various cycling disciplines, including road racing and cyclocross. By signing with this team, Van Empel is transitioning from her cyclocross career to a more road-focused approach, which is a common path for many cyclists looking to compete in larger, multi-stage races. Van Empel's return to professional cycling marks a new chapter in her career. While she had been away from the sport for some time, her experience as a world champion and her talent as a cyclist suggest that she could make a strong impact with her new team. Fans and cycling enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how she performs in her upcoming competitions.