"Disrespectful to steal the biggest moment of my career" - Devastated Marie Schreiber blasts European Championships relegation in emotional interview
Cyclocross
A devastated Marie Schreiber spoke to media after she was relagated to second place at the Cyclocross European Championships on Saturday, claiming that the jury decision to hand the victory to Lucinda Brand was 'disrespectful'.
In what would have been the biggest moment of her cyclocross career, Schreiber appeared to hold off Brand in a nail-biting sprint to the line after a fantastic race saw her battle at the front from the start.
However, race officials reviewed footage after the race that appeared to show her deviat slightly to the left, where Brand was sprinting between the Luxembourgish rider and the barriers.
After long deliberation, it was confirmed that Schreiber was relegated to second place, taking the silver medal as Brand was crowned European champion. In a subdued interview following the result change, Brand appeared disappointed to have won the title in such a fashion.
Speaking to media after the race and not attending the podium presentation, Schreiber blasted the decision to relegate her to second place, expressing her disappointment and revealing that Brand did not contest the result.
"The UCI, UEC and I don't know who else, always emphasize that they want a clean sport, but then they do this? It also isn't fair either.
The 2026 Cyclocross European Championships elite women's podium
Schreiber devastated by decision
"Both Lucinda and I have reviewed the footage, and even she admits that I did nothing wrong. That she could never have passed anyway. I am really thankful that she says that, but it doesn't change the outcome."
Explaining the move to her left, Schreiber claimed that it was unintentional and did not impact the result, admitting that if it had come down to a closer margin, she would have understood.
"I did not close the door on purpose or anything. Lucinda knows it, she also says it. I think it's disrespectful to steal the biggest moment of my career.
"I think for being fair, everyone knows I won. If it would have been decided by two centimetres I can argue with them, I can understand. But like this, it's disrepectful.
Schreiber did not attend the podium presentation following the decision as Brand and third placed Ceylin Alvarado took to the steps. For Schreiber, she felt conflicted over going before opting not to do so in protest of the decision.
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Schreiber skips podium presentation
"I was going to go, because I thought everyone was going to hate me if I don't go. If they're being like this to me, I also don't owe them anything. It's hard to be standing here right now, so you can imagine it's hard to be standing on the podium. I said I shouldn't go and let myself be treated like this.
Speaking after the decision, Netherlands coach Sven Nys declared that the nation did not protest the result, indicating that the race jury intiated the review on their own accord. He labelled the result a 'shame'.
"It was therefore not at our request that the jury looked into it; this happened purely on their own initiative," the team manager told Sporza.
"Sometimes the world of elite sports is tough. They both deserved the title, but one of them is going home disappointed, and I think that's a shame. It will eventually settle down, but we are also going home with mixed feelings."
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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