Lucinda Brand’s dominance in the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup is nothing short of legendary—and her latest victory in Dendermonde only cements her untouchable status. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is her streak of 11 consecutive wins a testament to her unparalleled skill, or is the competition simply not rising to the challenge? Let’s dive in.
Brand (Baloise Glowi) secured her seventh straight series win in Dendermonde, a feat so extraordinary that even she struggles to compare it to her previous triumphs. When asked about this victory in a post-race interview, she humbly admitted, ‘There are always good days when you’re flying, but it’s really hard to compare day by day.’ Her modesty only adds to her mystique, leaving fans and critics alike wondering: How long can this reign last?
The race itself was a masterclass in strategy and grit. After Brand’s decisive breakaway on lap 3, the real drama unfolded in the battle for second place. Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck) emerged victorious over the consistently impressive Amandine Fouquenet (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) in a thrilling final lap showdown. And this is the part most people miss: Pieterse’s tactical attack on the run-up and her flawless execution in the technical section were key to her securing second place, just 11 seconds behind Brand.
The race conditions were unusually sunny and dry, a stark contrast to last January’s Dendermonde World Cup, where Brand also claimed victory in far muddier circumstances. The fast-paced start saw Fouquenet take the lead, with Leonie Bentveld, Célia Gery (FDJ-SUEZ), and Brand hot on her heels. However, a crash by Bentveld on the sandy downhill disrupted the pack, forcing Pieterse and teammate Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado to play catch-up.
Brand recalled her surprise at the sudden gap that opened up early on: ‘Passing the sand pit on the first lap, I noticed a big gap. Maybe something happened behind. So I got the signal from the side—‘Just keep going.’ And keep going she did, leaving her rivals in her wake by lap three.
Fouquenet, who initially kept pace with Brand, eventually faded, joining Pieterse at the start of lap 4. Together, they took turns chasing Brand, but to no avail. Pieterse briefly distanced herself from Fouquenet, only to be caught with three laps remaining. The final lap became a showdown between Pieterse and Fouquenet, with Pieterse’s bold attack sealing her second-place finish.
Fouquenet crossed the line 12 seconds later, well ahead of Alvarado in fourth. Meanwhile, Marion Norbert Riberolle (Crelan-Corendon) delivered a standout performance, surging to fifth place in a field of fierce competitors.
Here’s the thought-provoking question: Is Lucinda Brand’s dominance a reflection of her unmatched talent, or is the current field of competitors failing to push her to her limits? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having. For now, Brand remains the queen of cyclo-cross, leaving us all in awe of her indomitable spirit. Stay tuned for more race updates, interviews, and expert insights delivered straight to your inbox!
