Results Flandriencross Hamme 2025 | Lucinda Brand strikes again in brutal Hamme mud to reach landmark 50th podium in a row

Lucinda Brand mastered the mud, ruts and constant risk of error at the Flandriencross in Hamme, powering to victory in the latest round of the X2O Trofee on Saturday afternoon. The Dutch rider immediately took control of the race from the opening minute and, despite several small slips in the worsening conditions, never surrendered the lead on a heavy and unpredictable course.

Rain had left the lap thick, slick and technical, with riders sliding regularly and pitting early in search of grip and reliability. Brand wasted no time launching her attack, opening a gap within the opening 30 seconds before opting for a proactive bike change inside the first lap as she settled into her rhythm at the front. The repeated mechanical attention underlined just how demanding the surface had become, with the material zone playing a critical role throughout.

European champion Inge van der Heijden was the only rider able to keep Brand within reach as the race unfolded, gradually closing the gap to as little as five seconds during the first half of the six-lap contest. However, every time momentum appeared to shift, Brand’s pace and clean technical execution restored her advantage. The gap stretched back into double digits entering the final lap, though the leader endured several minor setbacks — sliding, stalling in deep ruts and being forced into multiple bike changes. Van der Heijden pressed on but was unable to turn pressure into contact, eventually crossing the line nine seconds down.

Behind the leading duo, the podium battle swung repeatedly between Aniek van Alphen and Luxembourg’s Zoe Schreiber. After trading positions multiple times, Van Alphen secured third place at 22 seconds, with Schreiber just missing out but delivering a notable performance in her first cross race of the season. Brand’s win also continues her long podium streak at elite level, underlining remarkable consistency across multiple winters.