"It will come" - Lucinda Brand eager to take first big win on Cyclocross season

In 2021-2022 Lucinda Brand had a dominant season, however things are not going as smoothly this year, specially as Fem van Empel entered the season with flying form and has once again directly beat Brand in the Waterloo World Cup.

Similar to what had happened in Beringen, the first cross of the season for the main protagonists, it came down to a sprint between the two. “I don't think I did the best sprint today, we are normally a bit more even," Brand said after the finish. "But she has a slightly better start anyway. Then I felt a little better. It seemed a bit like that day, because sometimes we rode away together, but this time there was more pressure from behind.”

Van Empel and Brand have been rather equal this season, but the second round of the World Cup favoured the youngest once again. Brand sits second in the World Cup, however is already 25 points away from her compatriot. “These are good results. To be on the podium with such strong opponents is very good. Of course I want to go for the win, but I am convinced that it will come this year," she said. 

We knew it would be difficult to win races every year, but I can still make it difficult for the other riders. So up to this point I am satisfied," Brand admitted however. The Tabor World Cup will present an important challenge this coming week with more points available, and the Baloise - Trek Lions rider will hope to take a big win there.

“We fly there directly from here, so we are away from home for a long time. I look forward. It is expected to rain there, so let's see what that brings," she concluded.