Results Superprestige Jaarmarktcross Niel | Lucinda Brand storms to victory ahead of new European Champion

Lucinda Brand continued her superb run of autumn form with a commanding victory at the Superprestige Jaarmarktcross Niel, leading from the early laps and never looking back to claim her fourth win at the event and her fifth triumph of the 2025 season.

On a dry, fast course that rewarded rhythm and clean handling, Brand quickly imposed herself after an early surge from Aniek van Alphen, who briefly held the lead before slipping on one of the course’s steep ramps. From there, Brand took control — with only European champion Inge van der Heijden able to keep her within sight.

As the race settled, Brand’s tempo never wavered. The dry autumn weather and firm surface produced a fast, rhythm-based cross that suited her perfectly. By the halfway point she had opened a 15-second margin, stretched it to 20 seconds two laps later, and maintained total control from there. Behind, Van der Heijden rode steadily in second, while Van Alphen consolidated third after recovering from her early mistake.

Further back, Laura Verdonschot again impressed as the leading Belgian, despite her ongoing injury struggles, climbing into the top six on the sandy sections that suit her style. A tight three-way fight for fifth eventually saw Julie Brouwers edge out Verdonschot and Amandine Fouquenet on the line.

When Brand hit the bell lap, victory was already beyond doubt. She could afford to soak up the atmosphere, exchanging waves with the fans lining the sand pit before powering home alone to seal another emphatic success.

It marked Brand’s fifth win of the season and yet another all-Dutch podium in the Superprestige series, with Van der Heijden and Van Alphen completing the top three. A dominant day, and further evidence that Lucinda Brand’s mid-season form remains almost unmatched when the course turns fast and technical.