Lucinda Brand continues to dominate the Cyclocross World Cup in Dendermonde

Much is said about Mathieu van der Poel's superiority in men's cyclocross, but Lucinda Brand, who at 36 years old is experiencing a second youth, is on her way to being remembered as one of the most dominant forces in cyclocross history. In Dendermonde, she imposed her own pace from the start, with no one able to follow her when she decided to take the lead.

Lucinda Brand, more leader of the World Cup after a new victory in Dendermonde

A race that, as expected, took place on a circuit that, in the absence of rain, was very fast and without the usual difficulties that mud causes in this Dendermonde race. Amandine Fouquenet went all out and quickly made the first selection, as only Celia Gery and, of course, Lucinda Brand were able to follow her, while behind, only Puck Pieterse reacted, who was left alone in pursuit.

Seeing how the Dutch rider was closing in, in the third lap, Lucinda Brand took the lead, and despite Fouquenet's attempt to follow her, no one this year could match the tremendous pace of the World Cup leader in Cyclocross, who gradually created a gap to secure the race early on.

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Only the remaining two podium spots were left to be determined in a tight battle between Puck Pieterse and Amandine Fouquenet, which provided the best moments of the race, with the Dutch rider trying to shake off the Frenchwoman with an intense pace for several laps. Fouquenet held on and managed to catch up to Pieterse's wheel again, becoming the one to set the pace and putting her rival under pressure. However, the Dutch rider had saved her best move for the final lap, and with a sharp and sustained attack, she managed to break away from her rival to take second place.

World Cup Cyclocross Standings – Dendermonde

1. Lucinda Brand (Baloise Glowi Lions) 51’06’’
2. Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck) +11’’
3. Amandine Fouquenet (Arkea-B&B Hotels) +22’’
4. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Fenix-Deceuninck) +35
5. Marion Norbert Riberolle (Crelan-Corendon) +47’’
6. Leonie Bentveld (Pauwels Sauzen-Altez Industriebouw) +58’’
7. Aniek van Alphen (Seven Racing) +1’03’’
8. Kristyna Zemanova +1’09’’
9. Manon Bakker (Crelan-Corendon) +1’14’’
10. Celia Gery +1’28’’