Brand wins Hoogerheide & World Cup; van der Poel entertains in the men’s race

Lucinda-Brand-wins-in-Hoogerheide-to-dominate-World-Cup-series

Lucinda Brand put on a masterclass in muddy conditions at the UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Hoogerheide, securing her solo victory in the GP Adrie van der Poel and capping off an exceptional campaign. Brand, who had already clinched the overall series title, crossed the line 28 seconds ahead of Blanka Vas, with Puck Pieterse rounding out the podium in third, 39 seconds adrift.

The race began with a surprise as Hélène Clauzel charged off the line and led through the opening climb. However, it didn’t take long for the major contenders to assert themselves. Fem van Empel, Pieterse, and Brand formed a leading group on the first lap, distancing the rest of the field as they battled the heavy mud.

Brand, known for her steady starts, worked her way into contention and capitalised on Pieterse’s first mistake, which came late in the second lap. Taking the lead, Brand built a gap of 20 seconds, forcing her rivals into a challenging chase. Van Empel, determined to close the gap, fell on the fourth lap after getting caught in a deep rut, leaving Vas as the only consistent rider behind Brand.

By the final lap, Brand held a 27-second advantage over Vas, while Pieterse and Van Empel trailed by 45 seconds. Despite her competitors’ efforts, Brand powered through to the finish, delivering a strong signal ahead of next week’s World Championships in Liévin.

“It’s a great way to finish the World Cup,” Brand said. “I felt good when I came together with Puck, but when she made a mistake, I knew I had to take my chance and keep pushing. Everything seems to be falling into place this season, and I’m absolutely heading to the World Championships with confidence.”

Meanwhile, Marianne Vos was forced to abandon early in the race due to lingering calf pain from her crash in Maasmechelen the previous day. Her team expressed hope for her recovery before the World Championships, stating, “Hopefully, it’s nothing serious, and she can compete next week.”

2025 Women’s Hoogerheide result

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

Mathieu van der Poel tail whipPhoto Credit: BELGA

Van der Poel still in a league of his own

In the men’s race, Mathieu van der Poel delivered a dominant performance on his home course, winning the Hoogerheide World Cup event organised by his father, Adri. Van der Poel, who has won every cyclocross race he has contested this season, once again proved untouchable, finishing more than a minute ahead of his nearest rival.

Van der Poel established his authority from the start, leading into the first corner and pulling away from the field almost immediately. While Michael Vanthourenhout and Lars van der Haar gave chase, they could do little to prevent the Dutchman from extending his lead with each lap.

As the race progressed, Vanthourenhout emerged as the best of the rest, eventually securing second place, 1:42 behind Van der Poel. Vanthourenhout’s consistency throughout the series earned him the overall World Cup title. Van der Haar completed the podium in third, finishing 1:57 back.

Despite the commanding lead, Van der Poel kept fans entertained by adding flair to his ride, including a playful back wheel flick on the course’s bridge. “It’s always special to win here,” Van der Poel said, referring to the race’s proximity to his childhood home.

Van der Poel’s victory marked his seventh consecutive win of the season, and he now turns his focus to the World Championships in Liévin, where he will aim to capture a seventh world title.

2025 Men’s Hoogerheide result

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

Main photo credit: Getty