Results World Cup Dendermonde | Lucinda Brand's incredible winning run continues with another commanding solo

Lucinda Brand delivered another commanding solo victory at the UCI Cyclocross World Cup Dendermonde, turning an explosive opening phase into a controlled ride to the finish and sealing her 15th win of the season.

The race was fast from the gun. Amandine Fouquenet claimed the holeshot ahead of her French compatriot Gery, while Brand quickly recovered from a slightly slower start to move into third position. The first decisive moment came early when Leonie Bentveld crashed heavily on a short downhill sand section while riding near the front. The incident split the field and allowed Brand, Fouquenet and Gery to ride clear.

Short laps ensured relentless pressure. After the opening lap, the leading trio already held a gap of around 15 seconds over the main chase. Behind them, Puck Pieterse reacted decisively, lifting the pace and forcing her way back towards the front as the race stretched.

Brand steadily increased the intensity. Gery was the first to lose contact, leaving Brand and Fouquenet alone at the head of the race. Pieterse then launched a strong counter move, setting the fastest lap and closing to within single-digit seconds, prompting an immediate response from the leader.

That response proved decisive. Brand raised the tempo through the finish and out of the corners, riding cleanly and powerfully. Fouquenet was distanced, while Pieterse’s surge stalled soon after. Within minutes, Brand had established a clear solo lead.

From there, the race settled into a familiar pattern. Brand maintained a stable advantage of around 20 seconds, riding smoothly and without visible errors as she moved into the final laps. Behind her, the focus shifted fully to the fight for second place. Fouquenet and Pieterse regrouped and rode together for several laps, with Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado unable to close the gap behind them.

The podium battle was finally resolved on the last lap when Pieterse accelerated sharply on the steps, passing Fouquenet and opening a small but decisive gap. Pieterse secured second place, improving on her result from Gavere, while Fouquenet crossed the line third.

Brand had time to savour the closing moments, raising her arm in celebration before the finish. Marion Norbert Riberolle completed a strong ride to take fifth place, rounding out another dominant day for Brand as the Dendermonde World Cup confirmed her current grip on the women’s series.