Brand starts early and capitalizes on Alvarado's mechanical issues in Rapencross Lokeren

Cycling
Sunday, 10 November 2024 at 17:12
lucinda brand

Lucinda Brand has won the X2O cyclo-cross race in Lokeren, Belgium. The Dutch champion racing for Baloise Trek Lions cranked up the pressure early on in the race after Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado had to chase due to mechanical issues in the first lap. The rider from Fenix-Deceuninck managed to secure second place, ahead of Sara Casasola (Crelan-Corendon).

The biggest story before the start of the race was the absence of Fem van Empel. The world champion and newly crowned European champion was not present in Lokeren, Belgium. This opened up opportunities for the usual contenders. Brand and Alvarado were present, as well as the Italian Sara Casasola and the British Zoe Backstedt, who was making her first cyclo-cross appearance of the season. The course in northern Belgium promised to bring plenty of spectacle.

Early on in the race, there was a significant breakaway. Casasola, Brand, Backstedt, Annemarie Worst and Laura Verdonschot pulled away. Alvarado was initially part of this group but dropped back due to a mechanical issue with her chain. This forced the runner-up of the European cyclo-cross championship in Pontevedra to go on the chase immediately. Brand, seeing this, took the lead to prevent Alvarado's return. The pace increased, causing Verdonschot and Backstedt to fall back. Alvarado joined them soon after but never got closer to the front.

Brand keeps a charging Alvarado at bay in finale

The Dutch champion had gained a small lead over Casasola and Worst and was solo at the front. Casasola was chasing, but Alvarado was closing in rapidly. Gradually, she closed the gap, and by the fourth lap, she caught up with the Italian. Brand was the only rider still ahead. The race turned into a showdown, as was expected beforehand. With two laps to go, the gap was twelve seconds. The two rivals were evenly matched.

However, Brand’s lead proved insurmountable. The chase had cost Alvarado significant energy. Casasola rejoined her, and the gap widened. By the start of the final lap, Brand had extended her lead to fourteen seconds. The final lap was a formality. Brand crossed the finish line in celebration, 21 seconds ahead of Alvarado. Casasola secured third place.

Results X2O Trophy Rapencross Lokeren 2024, women's edition

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

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