🚵🇧🇪 | Wat een slotronde! Brand wint na een lange achtervolging en voor de andere podiumplaatsen is de finishfoto nodig, waarmee Backstedt als nummer twee wordt aangewezen 😍😍 #Superprestige 📺Stream cross op HBO Max
Unstoppable! Lucinda Brand’s record streak of 30 podiums continues but immediately looked behind at the finish line: "I wanted to see it"
Cyclo-crossSaturday, 04 January 2025 at 16:40
Thirty times on the podium, thirty times! Lucinda Brand has finished in the top three in all 22 cyclo-cross races she has participated in this season, a streak that also extends to the last eight races of last winter. In Gullegem, she secured a victory in an important Superprestige round, strengthening her bid for the overall win. IDLProCycling.com spoke with the ever-cheerful and friendly rider after the race in chilly West Flanders.
Anyone tuning in during the fourth lap wouldn’t have thought Brand would still be able take the win in Gullegem. She appeared to be playing catch-up for much of the race, trailing behind Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, Zoe Backstedt, and Leonie Bentveld. But in the penultimate lap, she launched a final attack that ultimately secured her victory.
“It was a bit strange,” Brand admitted. “At first, I had to find my way on the course because it had changed a lot compared to the recon. In the second lap, I actually felt really good and got into a good rhythm. At one point, I found the right lines and started closing the gap, but after the pit zone, they suddenly pulled away again. So, they could still go faster, but I managed to stay close.”
“Then at the last moment things turned around completely,” she continued, recounting her race in Gullegem. “In the final lap, I was the strongest after all. I knew I had to take the lead and stick to my strategy. I had already noticed where I was gaining time and where I wasn’t, so I thought maybe I could deal a psychological blow there. And in that last lap, you don’t hold back—you can always find a bit extra.”
Read more below the video!
Backstedt completes Brand’s perfect day in Gullegem
The celebration was complete when Zoe Backstedt held off Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado for second place, leaving Lucinda Brand alone at the top of the Superprestige standings. "I said this morning that if I had the chance to win, I hoped Zoe would be up there too. On this course, she can perform really well, so this is incredible," said a delighted Brand, who turned back to the finish line to watch the action unfold. "I couldn’t actually see anything, so I didn’t know what was happening right away. But I really wanted to see it."
"That played out almost by the book," continued the happy Baloise Glowi Lions rider. "If I wanted to stay in contention for the overall win, something like this had to happen. But for it to actually come together is really special. Of course, I’m thrilled with the victory, but I’m also in a better position than I expected to be beforehand."
While other riders are dropping out left and right, the resilient Brand continues to push through this winter. Does she have a secret recovery drink or some hidden tips? "Hahaha, no. Just taking good care of myself, and I’m lucky to have great support for that. I also try to make the best decisions regarding accommodations and other details. Maybe all those little things add up just enough for this old, stubborn body," she said with a big smile.
Brand not only has to defend her ranking in multiple classifications but also her national champion’s jersey next Sunday at the Dutch National Cyclo-cross Championships. However, she’s not thinking about that just yet. "I’ll race Dendermonde first and then focus on the nationals. For now, I’m heading to bed."
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Latest Comments
- This was very informative! Luiz Antonio Duarte Ferreiraluizantonioduarteferreira02-01-2025
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024