Lucinda Brand stars in a thrilling final lap and wins the 2025 CX World Cup in Antwerp

The Women's Elite Cyclocross World Cup in Antwerp offered one of the most intense and tactical races of the season. A true Dutch duel that was resolved on the last lap, with Lucinda Brand finally overcoming Ceylin Alvarado after a series of attacks, minimal errors, and borderline decisions. With this victory, Brand also becomes the new leader of the World Cup.

Lucinda Brand conquers Antwerp after a thrilling final lap and takes the lead in the World Cup

The start confirmed the high pace and absolute dominance of the Dutch riders that was expected. Aniek van Alphen, the overall leader, took advantage of the first steps through the sand to create a gap alongside Inge van der Heijden, until a fall by the European champion in the sloped area left Van Alphen in the lead alone.

Behind, Brand began her particular chase. With a strong change of pace, she closed the gap and caused the first major selection, leading to a front group with Puck Pieterse, Shirin van Anrooij, and Alvarado, while the Belgian options were soon discarded.

In the second and third laps, Pieterse was the one to shake up the race, attacking in the most technical sections and forcing Alvarado to respond. Brand, true to her style, played the patience game, aware that the running sections and accumulated fatigue could be decisive.

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The script changed from the third lap, when Brand took command in the running sections, opening a small gap that only Alvarado was able to neutralize. From there, the race turned into a high-voltage head-to-head, with Van Alphen, Van Anrooij, and Pieterse trying to come back from behind without success.

The race was already the most exciting of the year at the start of the sixth and final lap. Brand launched several attacks, but Alvarado held on, even taking the lead after a small mistake from her rival. The duel was decided on a short but explosive climb where Brand managed to reach the top first on her bike, while Alvarado was forced to put a foot down. That difference, of just a few meters, was decisive.

Even so, Alvarado did not give up and closed the gap again after a small mistake by Brand in the sand. The final meters were an exercise in control and cool-headedness from Brand, who once again did not let victory slip away.

Top 15 – World Cup CX Antwerp (Women Elite)

1. Lucinda Brand (NED)
2. Ceylin Alvarado (NED) at 2"
3. Aniek van Alphen (NED) at 16"
4. Puck Pieterse (NED) at 23"
5. Kristýna Zemanová (CZE) at 24"
6. Shirin van Anrooij (NED)
7. Sara Casasola (ITA) at 30"
8. Inge van der Heijden (NED) at 1'01"
9. Manon Bakker (NED) at 1'13"
10. Leonie Bentveld (NED) at 1'25"
11. Denise Betsema (NED) at 1'30"
12. Marion Norbert Riberolle (BEL) at 1'37"
13. Amandine Fouquenet (FRA) at 1'45"
14. Fleur Moors (BEL) at 1'47"
15. Hélène Géry (FRA) at 2'04"

What changes after Antwerp

With this victory, Lucinda Brand climbs to the top of the World Cup standings, taking the jersey from Van Alphen and confirming her status as the absolute reference of the winter. Antwerp, traditionally elusive for her, is no longer a pending subject and makes it clear that the fight for the overall title will remain open.

1. Lucinda Brand (NED) – 160 points
2. Aniek van Alphen (NED) – 146 points
3. Leonie Bentveld (NED) – 99 points
4. Amandine Fouquenet (FRA) – 87 points
5. Inge van der Heijden (NED) – 85 points
6. Manon Bakker (NED) – 79 points
7. Denise Betsema (NED) – 76 points
8. Shirin van Anrooij (NED) – 75 points
9. Sara Casasola (ITA) – 70 points
10. Ceylin Alvarado (NED) – 69 points