There is simply no stopping Lucinda Brand this cyclocross season. The Baloise Glowi Lions rider was also the strongest on Monday in the X2O Trophy at Hofstade. Brand was so dominant during the race that she was even able to enjoy the atmosphere along the course in the final lap.
"Winning never gets old," Brand said in an interview with Sporza after the race. "In the last lap, I had plenty of time to look around. It’s really incredible to see how many people come out for a cyclocross race."
"And that’s despite the fact that people ride in areas and spots where you normally wouldn’t race," the season's multiple winner laughed. "It’s truly amazing how so many people turn out for it. It’s a real pleasure to keep doing this."
Perfect cyclocross
Aside from a slow start, Brand delivered a flawless race in Hofstade. "It may have been the perfect cyclocross, yes. You don’t want to start too far back, but you can make up a lot of ground in the sand. It was a nice change of pace."
photo: Fotopersburo Cor Vos
The cyclocross at Hofstade returned to the calendar after a seventeen-year absence, but Brand already knew the course inside and out. "I’ve done a lot of training here and it pays off. It’s a bit of a drive, but it’s always good to train in the sand. I’m going to crash on the couch for a few days now, and hope to recharge. Positive energy always helps, though."
X²O Badkamers Trofee - Hofstade Plage Cross| Rank | Rider | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 45:47 | |
| 2 | + 22 | |
| 3 | + 25 | |
| 4 | + 01:42 | |
| 5 | + 01:59 | |
| 6 | + 02:24 | |
| 7 | + 02:52 | |
| 8 | " | |
| 9 | + 02:53 | |
| 10 | + 03:21 |
