HG Cross: Lucinda Brand lays down the power in Dendermonde to take first win on first day of racing in 2026/27 season

World champion Lucinda Brand (Baloise Verzekeringen-Het Poetsbureau Lions) opened her cyclo-cross season in style on Sunday, winning the first round of HG Cross in Dendermonde with a dominant ride. Opening the series formerly known as Exact Cross, Brand didn't win solo, but put down such power and force on the final lap that the riders on the wheel couldn't even sprint against her as she charged for the line. Her best match was Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Fenix-Premier Tech), who took second, whilst Denise Betsema (De Ceuster Bouwkranen) completed the podium in third.