Lucinda Brand secured a new World Cup victory a week ago in Sardinia. At the finish, the Dutch cyclocross rider was deeply emotional and pointed to the sky, but she didn’t want to elaborate on her personal situation. It turned out to be a tribute to her mother.
Aafje Brand-Havik passed away one day after the cyclocross race in Terralba at the age of 67, following a long period of physical decline after suffering a stroke in 2003. Brand had been balancing the care of her mother and father (who also faces health issues) with performing at the very highest level for some time.
The Baloise Glowi Lions rider spoke out on social media following her mother’s death. "This one is for you, mom," she shared via Instagram. Brand is currently going through a very difficult time, but this hasn’t stopped her from excelling in cyclocross. On Sunday, she was by far the strongest in the World Cup race in Namur. On the slopes of the Citadel, she claimed her tenth victory of this cyclocross season.
View this post on Instagram
"I can switch that off," she told WielerFlits and others afterwards. "Of course, it’s tough, but I didn’t hesitate to start in Namur. Sitting at home on the couch doesn’t make it any better. I’ve trained a bit less over the past week, but maybe that’s why I started fresher physically now."
Her own world
"And maybe that was a good thing, because you could see the effect. I had one of my best days on the bike. And I even managed to win, despite a puncture at an unlucky moment. During the race, I can focus well. It’s actually nice to do your own thing for a while, to be in your own world."
"I don’t know how that is, maybe it’s part of my character. You just have to focus on the race when you start. I see it as a strength. And you mustn’t forget: after a week like that, someone else has to get back to work too. The world just waits for no one."
