"A normal person goes back to work afterwards, so I will too": Lucinda Brand dedicates Namur victory to her late mother

In the 2025/26 women’s cyclo-cross season, no rider is in better form than Lucinda Brand. The 36-year-old Dutch veteran is sweeping the field and winning almost every race she starts. The latest came at last Sunday’s Namur World Cup, where she chose to race despite her mother’s passing earlier in the week.

Speaking to In De Leiderstrui, Brand explained her decision. With striking composure for someone dealing with one of life’s hardest blows, the Namur World Cup winner was direct in her words.

"The world waits for no one. I had no doubts about racing. I focus well. Honestly, it’s great to do your thing and be in your own world. A normal person goes back to work, so I will too. Lying on the sofa at home helps no one," said Brand.

Brand did admit her build-up for Namur was lighter than usual for this kind of challenge. Even so, her professionalism prevailed in a delicate personal moment: "I trained a bit less, but that means fresher legs. In the race I felt very strong, I felt great, and I managed to win."

While stepping back after such news is understandable, even scratching races on the calendar, Lucinda Brand noted this response might be part of who she is: "It might be my nature… But it comes easily, because I’m focused on the race. Then other things don’t bother me. It’s just the race," she concluded.

Beyond her personal life, one thing is certain: Lucinda Brand would love the Hulst World Championships to arrive far sooner than scheduled. Her current form makes her a near-unbeatable rider.

Although she didn’t win the European Championships (she took silver), a rainbow jersey could not only banish that setback, it could also turn this campaign into one of the finest individual seasons in women’s cyclo-cross history.