"I'm just jealous": Lucinda Brand's rivals are in a loss of words after her 50th consecutive cyclocross podium

Since the 2024 Benidorm World Cup, Lucinda Brand has not missed a cyclocross podium and there was not a force to prevent the inevitable from happening again in the X2O Trophy round in Hamme. Her closest rivals were once again compatriots Inge van der Heijden and Aniek van Alphen, but neither could follow the Baloise - Glowi Lions star as she cruised towards her seventh victory this season and third just this week.

Today's victory was a big anniversary as it coincided with Brand's 50th podium in a row. A streak that expands across three seasons. Although Brand tries to not think about it too much, she can't escape the fact that she's working on a record that will be hard, if not impossible, to surpass for the next generations.

"You keep reminding me, so I can't avoid it anymore. Fortunately, we can focus on other things now," Brand said in an interview following the Flandriencross Hamme. She is now in the overall lead of the X2O Badkamers Trophee classification with over four minutes of advantage over her closest rivals.

She did acknowledge, that the remarkable streak was discussed in her own circles as well last week. "Of course, we say that regularly at home too. We'll never accept it as normal. But it's good to be able to stay focused on the races again."

European champion Inge van der Heijden and Aniek van Alphen rounded off the podium. Fourth-place Marie Schreiber arrived full minute behind Brand.

"It's incredibly special and impressive of her to consistently be on the podium; I'm just jealous of that," said Van der Heijden about her more experienced compatriot. "I'm trying to stay on track, but it's great that we can compete together."

Van Alphen is also very complimentary about the strong Brand. "She's an exception, in a class of his own. There aren't many who have done that or will do that. That's very special," said the third woman from Hamme.

Brand was indeed in a class of her own in Hamme, leading from the first lap to the last. "It wasn't necessarily my plan, but I actually had a good start," Brand laughed with a touch of self-deprecation. Despite all her undisputable qualities, if there is one thing the 36-year-old doesn't excel in, it would be the chaotic race starts.

Not having to make up any positions in the first lap meant that Brand could focus solely on herself and ride towards the victory convincingly. "On the first lap, it's always nice to be in the lead and see how things are going. That allowed me to open up a gap right away, and I'm very happy with that."