Lucinda Brand misses World Cup week before world championships in Hoogerheide

Don’t look for Lucinda Brand at the World Cup in Hoogerheide. The leader in the standings must skip the final World Cup race due to calf pain. On Saturday, Brand already didn’t seem her usual self with a tenth-place finish.

There now appears to be an explanation for that disappointing result. "Yesterday in Maasmechelen was tough. I had a difficult start and never found the right rhythm. After the finish, I had some pain in my calf. After a check-up, we decided it’s best not to start today," Brand posted on Instagram.

"Of course, it’s frustrating to miss the final World Cup race of the season and a great race in the Netherlands, but for now, it’s the best decision," she continued. The calf issues come at an inconvenient time for Brand. In less than a week, the World Championships in Hulst, her big goal of the season, are already scheduled.

Overall win already secured
Brand has already secured the overall victory in the World Cup. With 366 points, she holds a 111-point lead over second place Aniek van Alphen, while a maximum of only 40 points can be earned in a single race.