“If I'm having a hard time, they'll have a hard time too” – Lucinda Brand explains Rapencross Lokeren tactics

Lucinda Brand showcased her strength in yesterday’s X20 Rapencross Lokeren, claiming victory and tightening her lead in the X20 ranking. The Dutch champion triumphed over her rival, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, and is looking forward to more battles this season. Speaking to In de Leiderstrui, Brand emphasised that her sights are set on the general classification title.

“I wanted to balance between going to the finish as fast as possible and not going to the limit, because we have another day tomorrow,” Brand shared, reflecting on the calculated approach she took to maintain both her performance and energy.

However, even with her strategic pacing, Brand admitted there were moments when focus slipped. “But you also want to grab all those seconds. Then I started to lose my concentration and then you make all kinds of stupid mistakes. That's something I have to be much more critical about,” she said.

The race itself played out with Annemarie Worst and Sara Casasola mounting challenges that initially tested Brand’s lead. Yet, as the laps progressed, they began to falter under the relentless pace. Brand capitalised on this, knowing the significance of sustaining pressure.

“I just have to try to make it hard. It's hard to follow here, because you have a dead spot all the time when you're on the wheel, so I thought: 'better from the front, then we'll see,’” she explained.

Ultimately, Brand’s determination and relentless pace paid off, forcing her competitors into a difficult position. “If I'm having a hard time, they'll have a hard time too. I hope,” said the former cyclocross world champion.