Lucinda Brand has not raced since April’s Amstel Gold Race, and her return to competition remains uncertain after the discovery of a parasite infection. The Lidl-Trek rider, who typically races a busy spring and summer schedule, revealed on Instagram that she’s currently unable to train.
“Unusually long without racing, at least for my standards,” she wrote. “After the spring season I took a short break and got back into training… only to find out that a little uninvited guest (aka parasite) decided to move in.”
Brand, who is known for her dual role as a cyclocross and road rider, is currently undergoing a course of antibiotics and focusing on rest. “For now it’s antibiotics and patience,” she added. “Hopefully I’ll be back to proper training soon and finally ready to race again.”
She was not expected to ride the upcoming Giro d’Italia Donne, but remains committed to building towards the 2025 Tour de France Femmes, which starts on 26th July in Vannes. Brand finished 8th overall in last year’s Tour, just over eight minutes behind winner Kasia Niewiadoma.
With just under seven weeks remaining until the Tour, Brand still has time to return to race fitness, though her timeline remains uncertain. For now, her priority is clear: recover fully before resuming structured training and competition.
