Results Superprestige Overijse Women's 2025 | Sara Casasola takes first major win of the season after late drama scuppers Lucinda Brand

Sara Casasola claimed arguably the biggest victory of her cyclocross career with a composed and opportunistic ride at Superprestige Overijse, becoming the first Italian rider ever to win the prestigious “Druivencross”. The 25-year-old pounced in the final lap after Lucinda Brand crashed while leading, converting weeks of near-misses into a landmark success in the Superprestige series.

The race began in typical Overijse chaos on a slippery course coated in leaves and mud. French and Belgian champions Hélène Clauzel and Marion Norbert Riberolle led the early charge before the race quickly reshuffled. Brand, back on one of her favourite circuits, took command on the opening lap, forming an early lead trio with Blanka Vas and Anais Fouquenet.

Behind, Riberolle’s challenge unravelled through repeated mechanical problems, forcing multiple bike changes that dropped her out of contention. Further ahead, Casasola and Aniek van Alphen bridged to Brand, forming a front trio that soon became the day’s decisive move. Vas’s return to racing ended with a slip on the cobbles, while Van Alphen later lost ground after sliding out on a descent.

Halfway through, Brand began to apply real pressure, lifting the tempo through the wooded climbs and sandbanks. Casasola refused to yield, matching every acceleration as the two built a clear lead over the fading Van Alphen. The duel produced thrilling back-and-forth racing — until fate intervened on the final lap.

Brand had just taken control, forcing Casasola to the front before clipping a pole and crashing hard. The Dutch rider remounted immediately, but Casasola was already gone, driving smoothly through the final technical section to secure her first win of the season after earlier podiums in Essen and Ruddervoorde.

Brand crossed the line twelve seconds down, visibly frustrated but gracious in defeat, while Van Alphen completed the podium. Behind them, Riberolle recovered to finish inside the top ten after her early setbacks.

For Casasola, the moment marked not just a maiden Superprestige triumph, but a breakthrough that confirmed her as a genuine contender among the sport’s elite.