Lucinda Brand loses the fight for second in Namur after a tactical mistake: "I was the first to reach the top but still allowed Puck to pass me"

Lucinda Brand had to give up to Ceylin Alvarado in the Namur World Cup. The 34-year-old rider from Baloise-Trek Lions started slowly, but gained momentum as the race progressed. However, in the final Brand had to give up the second place to Puck Pieterse after a slight tactical mistake.

Brand was not only disappointed afterwards, but also angry with herself. "I am indeed standing here with a toothache. I never start well, but I sank a little further than was useful, which meant it took longer before I could do my thing."

Alvarado didn't wait and quickly made her move. She would not see the rest until the finish line. "Ceylin had a really good day and went very fast, but halfway through the race Puck and I got closer and the gap became smaller. Then Ceylin found the second light, rode a super fast climb and widened the gap again. Then I knew we weren't going to get to her anymore."

In the final, Pieterse passed Brand to second place. "I didn't get as far on the diagonal side as I wanted. I was the first to reach the top and then I simply can't hand over the lead, but that happened anyway. I'd rather be second than third and there was no need to let Pieterse in front."