Lucinda Brand Claims Second Cyclo-Cross World Title on Challenging Hulst Course

Bassyonni

Published: January 31, 2026 12:20 PM ET

Lucinda Brand secured her second Cyclo-Cross World Title in a thrilling race at the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships held in Hulst, Netherlands. This victory marks Brand’s return to the top after her initial triumph in Oostende in 2021.

Race Overview

The championships took place on a challenging 3.3-kilometre course near the Dutch-Belgium border, featuring a significant elevation gain of 150 metres. This design included steep climbs and technical descents that tested the riders’ skills extensively.

Key Competitors

Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado: Finished second, 27 seconds behind Brand.
Puck Pieterse: Completed the podium sweep for the Netherlands in third place.
Jolanda Neff: Aimed for her first medal but was unable to keep pace.

Race Highlights

Brand faced fierce competition from her fellow Dutch riders, especially Pieterse and Alvarado, who challenged her during the early stages. A series of intense maneuvers and crashes characterized the race, including a significant crash by Pieterse on a descent.

Despite experiencing a crash herself, Brand maintained her composure and surged ahead. This victory was particularly meaningful since her last world title was achieved without an audience due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Brand’s Journey

Lucinda Brand’s journey to this title was not without challenges. She overcame a minor calf injury in the week leading up to the championship, showcasing remarkable resilience throughout the season. This win is her 19th of the year, with a record of 24 starts.

Post-Race Reactions

Brand expressed joy at her victory, emphasizing the significance of winning in front of a supportive home crowd. She noted that this year’s event felt different, with the cheers of thousands contrasting sharply with her previous win in an empty stadium.

Brand stated, “It feels amazing… It’s fantastic to win it here in front of the crowd in my home country.” Her words reflect the emotional weight of this significant achievement in her cycling career.

Conclusion

The Cyclo-Cross World Championships in Hulst highlighted the exceptional skill of Dutch cyclists, with Brand leading the way. The event once again confirmed the Netherlands’ dominance in women’s cyclo-cross racing.

With remarkable performances and a passionate audience, the championships will be remembered as a showcase of athletic excellence.