Schreiber's European cyclocross title dispute could end up in court, just like the 1988 World Championships
Cyclocross
Follow IDL Pro Cycling on Google
Stay up to date with the best cycling news by making us a preferred source on Google.
Follow us on GoogleMarie Schreiber crossed the line first in Zeddam, but Lucinda Brand is the one with the European Champions jersey. The fight over that title may not end in cycling's own system. The case could be settled by the Court of Arbitration for Sport or in another legal forum. It compares the case to one of the sport's most notorious sprints.
ADVERTISEMENT
Read more below the photo.
Schreiber reported harsh treatment by the European Championship judges
Luxembourg wants the finishing order restored
The Luxembourg federation (FSCL) has formally challenged the jury's decision with the European Cycling Union (UEC). "That is why the FSCL is calling for the race standings to be determined based on the order in which the riders crossed the finish line," its statement read.
The UEC organises the championships but does not handle disciplinary matters on race day. That job falls to a UCI jury of commissaires.
Filing a complaint does not give a rider or federation the right to an appeal, as Velora notes. Schreiber and her federation could in theory take the case to CAS, where the UCI's disciplinary decisions are regularly challenged.
Schreiber's coach Sanne Cant has already raised that possibility. Asked by Sporza about legal action, she said: "That may be the case. Because we are not going to let this go."
Schreiber herself has said she does not expect the commissioners to back down. She described the process in details after the race: "I tried to tell my side of the story there and explain what had happened, but they didn’t even let me finish speaking.”
Read more below the photo.
Ronse 1988: Bauer, Criquielion and Fondriest
Stickybottle have pointed to the 1988 World Championship road race in Ronse, Belgium, as an example to folloe.
Three riders sprinted for the rainbow jersey: Canada's Steve Bauer, Belgium's Claude Criquielion and Italy's Maurizio Fondriest.
Criquielion tried to pass Bauer on the inside, against the barriers, and crashed. Fondriest came around to win, and a furious Criquielion walked his bike over the line.
The judges disqualified Bauer, but the Belgian wanted more than that. Criquielion sued Bauer for assault and claimed $1.5 million in damages.
The criminal court in Oudenaarde cleared Bauer, and the appeal court in Ghent cleared him again. Accounts of how long the case lasted differ. Canadian Cycling Magazine says it took three and a half years, while other sources say it ran for more than five years.
Read more below the video.
Bauer, Criquielion and Fondriest at Ronse 1988.
Why the European Cyclocross Championships is a different case
Criquielion went to court for money and was not trying to change the result. In Zeddam, the result itself is what is being disputed, and no third rider slipped through to take the win as Fondriest did in 1988. According to Stickybottle, that makes this result easier to reverse.
The strongest argument may come from the rider who was given the title. Brand told the commissioners that Schreiber had done nothing wrong. This would amount to very strong evidence in Schreiber's favour if the case ever reached a courtroom.
For now, the official result has not changed, and Brand is still European champion.
David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor
David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.
IDL-productions
Cyclocross legend Lars van der Haar had a tough time after retiring from cyclocross: 'It was over pretty quickly'
Celia Gery won the European cyclocross championship while awaiting surgery: 'It'll be a new beginning'
Dutch team coach De Knegt annoyed by European Cyclocross Championships dispute: "A bit of a let down"
Glasgow set to shine as World Cup demand outstrips expectations and Mason eyes first home cyclocross race
Pogačar, Vingegaard and Van Aert went faster again in 2026... except when they didn't
Latest Cycling News
Quinn Simmons and Brandon McNulty went full off-season at Kevin Vermaerke's wedding
Pidcock's turbocharged vacation leads to struggles on the bike: 'No wonder people think cycling is hard'
Tadej Pogačar reveals his insane training data in new HBO film: 'I think that's what works best'
Extensive evidence of use of N-word, homophobia, and Asian-hate by track cyclist Matthew Richardson revealed
Mads Pedersen weighs in on Lucinda Brand and Marie Schreiber's European Cyclocross Championship clash
Popular Cycling News
Cycling transfers 2026/2027 | Cycling transfer market still in full swing in November
Tadej Pogačar reveals his insane training data in new HBO film: 'I think that's what works best'
Mads Pedersen weighs in on Lucinda Brand and Marie Schreiber's European Cyclocross Championship clash
Pidcock's turbocharged vacation leads to struggles on the bike: 'No wonder people think cycling is hard'
🎥 Lucinda Brand pulls out of the Niel cyclocross race in tears after just a few minutes
Latest Comments
- One Lombardia doesn’t tell us how Seixas will handle a full Grand Tour. I’d rather see him develop steadily than have every result turned into a Pogačar comparison.samanthak12-11-2026
- Pogacar is 30 already? I thought he was younger. If he keeps winning like this, how long can he realistically ride at the top?jeremya12-11-2026
- Interesting that Thomas made the comparison while speaking to Rowe, given Decathlon’s hopes of keeping Seixas and the reports linking INEOS with him. Praise, or a subtle message to a potential signing?gearguru3312-11-2026
- Seixas winning Il Lombardia at this age is a huge statement. The Pogačar comparisons are inevitable, but Thomas is right to leave room for both of them to keep improving—Pog is still setting the bar.robert6512-11-2026
- A fascinating career, but the article leans heavily on his side of the story. Were the three disqualifications all for the same equipment rule, or were there different issues each time?michael5412-11-2026
- I’m still not sure how the handlebar rules work. If another rider can rest their wrists on the bars, why was Van Schip disqualified for his position?jennifer1912-11-2026
- The UCI really needs clearer, consistently enforced rules on bike setups and riding positions. If Van Schip was being told different things from race to race, no wonder he got fed up.patriciaw12-11-2026
- Two world track titles and three pro wins is a serious career, whatever the controversies. Shame he felt the sport stopped listening to him. Hope Rotterdam gives him the send-off he deserves.tourdeforce912-11-2026
- If he finished ninth at the Tour, why didn’t he get a stage win too? I’m still trying to understand how the overall standings work.julien11-11-2026
- No ‘cross at all this winter? That’s a shame, but with his road season starting in February, I can see why he’d want a proper break. Does stepping away mean he’s done with cyclocross for good?gearguru3311-11-2026
