Brilliant Brand takes victory in Gullegem! Alvarado & Backstedt complete Superprestige podium
Cyclocross
Lucinda Brand has emerged victorious at Gullegem Cross this Saturday afternoon in Belgium as the Superprestige series continues to rumble on. Completing the podium behind the Dutch national champion, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado and Zoe Backstedt.
Although some of the biggest names (Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse ed.) weren't present at the start line, the likes of Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado and Lucinda Brand were in attendance. Things were looking good for Alvarado too as she gained a small advantage over the course of the first couple of laps. Both Zoe Backstedt and Leonie Bentveld closed the gap on lap 3 though, with Brand lurking dangerously just behind.
On the penultimate lap 4 though, Alvarado surged again, threatening to distance Backstedt through the early portion of the lap. Brand was also making her move behind, getting past Bentveld and as the final lap began, the star trio were all together. Brand had the momentum though, and attacked early, looking to put the pressure on. Although Alvarado kept contact for a short while, before too long there was clear daylight for Brand at the head of the race. The proved race winning for Brand as well, Backstedt and Alvarado's battle for 2nd went all the way to a photo finish.
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- it is cringeworthy to read XC when you are referring to cyclocross, which I think you are as Wout does not do XC. CX = cyclocross. XC = cross country mountain biking. and so you have the rest: XCO = cross country olympic race. XCM = cross country marathon. XCC = cross country short track.mij06-01-2025
- I see your point BTW, as I said, maybe go for green one year or something. his long winded response is typical - pointless, self promoting, and needlessly wordy LOL. oh and he is smarter than all.mij06-01-2025
- His last important race before the Tour is P-R and his next important race after is CX WC 2026 since he has no chance at the WCRR So unless he really goes into MTB this season, there's really no reason to skip a TdF and compete for a few stages and yellow jersey at the beginningvappaxbipmv06-01-2025
- How I can say that? Let’s look at the spirit of it and put it into context. Firstly, we are all cycling fans, we have been for a while, we’ve almost all been here a while too so have absorbed some feeling for each commentators style. For those of you who might not understand, I post with the assumption, we all know enough background not to have to explain every thought with 3 paragraphs of background to justify a statement. I also don’t waste my time repeating mundanity, I try to bring a more original angle or stone to any discussion that creates a more complete picture of the whole story (often not told). So, as far as I see, and I’ve said it before, MVDP is kind of unique in racing just about 12 months a year. He races to win, ie, he also trains for that, ie he has to train to peak more than a dozen times a year as opposed to typical road racers (including Jonas, Remco* and to a lesser extent WVA and Pog) who try to peak 1-around 3, 4 max half a dozen x a year). Obviously, training for a three week race and doing it is going to put a dent in results before and after and maybe even as far as the “off-season” (when he is at his most active winning xc week after week after week for years. Do you see my point a bit better now?Mistermaumau06-01-2025
- Sorry, maybe you thought I meant on TV? Obviously, most of the big fans in Belgium watching these two would take the opportunity to go watch live. I was once unlucky the TdF passed right near my house (when I lived in the south of France) it was over in 30 seconds, all 180 riders.Mistermaumau06-01-2025
- How can you say that, last season he had 7! race days before the Tour, that's neither a lot nor oftenvappaxbipmv06-01-2025
- It would be interesting to see if he could go for a green jersey onetime. Considering his penchant for winning everything possible, I’m surprised he doesn’t try this once.mij06-01-2025
- I am disappointed that we ever give Broyneel a public platform again. Boonen is a former star, and why should Bruyneel’s disgraced opinion ever matter, let alone be published. Bruyneel has forever disgraced by the Cycling profession, and never deserves a public platform again. He is entitled to his personal opinion on talented cyclists, but those opinions should never be published or printed. We need to forget him in the professional sport of cycling. As a cyclist and father, I never want my children to even know about him, unless it’s how he orchestrated a cheating doping program.GMG06-01-2025
- It seems like every 3 years a new French kid pops up as the wonderkid, the savior to finally redeem France in their own race, including Bardet, Pinot, Rolland, Barguil, Gaudu, Martin, but it never quite materializes. I hope Seixas is finally the guy. I'm not a Frenchman, but I'd be happy to see them do it for once. If it should happen, how do you think France would celebrate?Ride197406-01-2025
- oh, crap, maybe i’m OBSESSIVE! i’ll have to spend some time thinking about that, over and over, as if it were a looped tape, playing in over and over and over in my head, forever…OCexile05-01-2025