"I was never a hundred percent in the flow" - Lucinda Brand settles for second place in Hulst

Marie Schreiber achieved unthinkable to upset all the Dutch favourites on their home course and take a stunning victory in Saturday's World Cup round. Best of the rest - Lucinda Brand could only watch the Luxembourgian champion from a considerable distance. A chance to strike back awaits in Zonhoven on Sunday, on a course the 35-year-old Baloise - Trek Lions rider fancies a bit more.

"I soon felt that I myself was always making a small mistake somewhere," she said in the flash interview afterwards. "I was never a hundred percent in the flow on this lap. And I knew that she (Schreiber, ed.) had the space to do her own thing and that she likes this lap. It suits her very well. Then it is very difficult to make up time. There are not many places where you can ride away on power. Of course you keep hope, but it was not like I ever thought: I'm going to do this job."

Brand is all in all happy with her second place. "I had a bit of a strange feeling today. I was more nervous than usual. That’s a bit unusual for me. So yeah, I’m happy with this result. I’m glad I was still able to perform like this. I don’t really have an explanation for it, I hope it doesn’t happen too often."