Lucinda Brand (Baloise Glowi Lions) once again proved unable to be stopped at the X2O Trofee Rapencross on Sunday, soloing home in Lokeren to grab her fourth victory in five races so far during this 2025-26 cyclocross season.
The 36-year-old beat Crelan-Corendon pair Marion Norbert Riberolle and Sara Casasola into second and third places, as the duo crossed the line 17 seconds later.
"These are the perfect weekends," Brand said after her win, according to WielerFlits.
"The bike changes I made were very deliberate. My start today wasn't great, but I learned not to get stressed. That made all the difference today.
"I was more anticipating. Sara had just had a difficult passage and heard her panting. Now I know that doesn't mean much, but I thought: I'll see where it leads."
World champion Fem van Empel was the biggest absentee from the start list for Sunday's race, the Dutchwoman having fallen ill and failed to finish Saturday's Koppenbergcross. Over the quick opening two laps, then, the focus lay on Brand and Casasola, who stole a march on their rivals to hit the front of the race alone.
However, a small group formed in the chase behind, with Inge van der Heijden (Crelan-Corendon), Aniek van Alphen (Seven Racing), and Leonie Bentveld (Pauwels Sauzen-Altez Industriebouw) making their way across by the end of the race's second lap.
Behind them, Norbert Riberolle was chasing solo, while in the lead group of five, it was often Van Alphen who pushed the pace, putting Bentveld and Van der Heijden in difficulties as a result.
The decisive split came just before the midpoint of the race when Casasola made a move at the front of the attack. The Italian, taking advantage of a small slip from Brand, shot to the front and looked to be the strongest woman of the day.
However, luck – or bike handling – still had its role to play in the race, negatively affecting Casasola as she led. It all fell apart for the 26-year-old as she crashed twice in quick succession, losing the lead in the process.
Brand was quick to take advantage and hit the front herself, while Bentveld, enjoying a second wind, led the pursuit.
Former world champion Brand held her advantage heading into the final lap of the race, carrying a 23-second lead as she headed towards the finish and another win to add to her stunning start to the season.
Behind her, Norbert Riberolle launched a solo bid for second place. The Belgian couldn't make her move stick, however, with Casasola and Van Alphen bringing her back. She'd get the last laugh in the closing sprint, though, launching once more to come through for second place ahead of her teammate Casasola.
