Lucinda Brand furious, sarcastic, and emotional over Van Empel’s move: "Haha, that was 100% intentional"

She came so close, but after an epic battle, Lucinda Brand had to admit defeat to Fem van Empel at the Cyclo-cross Worlds for women. The 35-year-old rider from Baloise Glowi Lions made a mistake in the final moments and was unable to contest the sprint for the world title in Liévin. But according to her, that’s not what cost her the race. Instead, she claims her younger compatriot didn’t play fair.

"I tried to pass just after the off-camber section, and then she expertly rode me into the barriers," Brand responded, keeping things politically correct in her post-race comments to IDLProCycling.com and other media. "And that was it. Normally, I can turn that frustration into positive aggression, to squeeze everything out of myself one more time, but I couldn’t this time. I couldn’t get past her. No, I definitely didn’t think it was fair, and I hope others saw that too."

Brand’s frustration was clear immediately after crossing the finish line. She rode straight off the course and into the backstage area, visibly fuming. Shortly after, she had to appear in front of the cameras for her interview with Sporza, where she didn’t hold back. "I’m just really pissed off right now. This was a fantastic race, and we were so evenly matched. I think everyone knows that Fem would have been stronger on the final straight anyway. I don’t know what to think about someone feeling the need to push another rider into the barriers."

Between the finish line and the post-race interviews, the incident hadn’t yet been discussed between the two main characters. Would it happen later? "I don’t know," Brand responded bluntly to this website. "It really sucks to be shoved into the barriers like that. It was totally unnecessary. That had me really frustrated, and it’s a shame I couldn’t turn that frustration into one last sprint at the end. The result probably wouldn’t have changed, but my feeling about it would have."

Read more below the photo.

The much-discussed moment: Van Empel ahead of Brand (right). Bottom left: Brand takes down Worst at the 2021 World Championships

Brand believes Van Empel did it on purpose 

Was it intentional? "Haha, that’s not even a question. That was 100% intentional," Brand told NOS. "She looked to the side and then rode straight instead of making the turn. That was deliberate, obviously. And that’s why I’m angry. She knows damn well that she could have beaten me without doing that. She’s faster. I just don’t understand why she felt the need to do it. In a few days, I’ll be proud of my season again, because I’ve always said that this World Championship wouldn’t ruin my season. It could only make it better. But right now, my day is kind of ruined."

According to Brand, this wasn’t the first time Van Empel pushed the limits of fair play. "To be honest, I already saw something similar happen at the European Championships, which maybe is just part of it. But this — I really don’t think this was okay." Still, she stopped short of saying the incident cost her the title. "I’m not saying that. But otherwise I would have been more at peace with it. I just think it’s a shame that it had to happen this way."

The controversial moment happened in the closing minutes of an already thrilling race. Brand had tried to overtake Van Empel, but the younger rider shut the door on her. "I think I had a slightly better line on that off-camber, technical section. I made a quick decision to get off the bike and run to go around. And she saw me coming and thought, 'I’ll just steer all the way to the outside.' I was lucky I didn’t crash into the pole."

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The moment where Brand had to let Van Empel go

Brand continues: "I was lucky I didn't crash into the pole"

Despite her emotions, Brand tried to put things into perspective. "I’ve had an amazing season, and I always said this race wouldn’t make or break it. But, of course, this could have made it even better. I put everything into this race, and I don’t think I did anything wrong. Everyone around me supported me so well, and I’m really proud of that," she said, before breaking down into tears.

In the mixed zone, IDLProCycling.com also asked Van Empel about the incident with Brand, but the world champion didn’t feel guilty about it. "We were both in an all-out battle for the win. It was about a minute to the finish, maybe slightly more. We were at a crucial point in the course. A tricky off-camber section followed by a steep little climb with a turn. I think we both knew that if we wanted to win, it had to happen there."

One additional factor made that section of the course even more important: "It was really tough to clip in, so whoever entered that section first had an advantage. We were riding shoulder to shoulder, but I don’t think I did anything wrong. We were both racing for the win, and I won the duel. The way I see it, I didn’t do anything wrong."

Read more below the photo!

Van Empel became world champion for the third time, ahead of a disappointed Brand

Van Empel respectful when addressing Brand's performance this season

Van Empel believes she stayed within the rules. "Of course, I can’t rewatch it right now. But I race with respect, and I would never intentionally cut someone off. I’d be the last person to force someone off their bike. We need to have respect for each other. This was just a duel in the final moments of the race," she stated firmly.

She hadn’t yet spoken to her disappointed compatriot about the controversial moment. "I did go to see her to congratulate her. She had an incredible season. I’ve watched her races with a lot of admiration, even the ones I didn’t participate in. She made the podium in almost every race — not many riders can do that. It just shows how strong she is in cyclo-cross and also on the road. I have a lot of respect for her."

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