In a rare UCI Cyclocross World Cup doubleheader weekend, Saturday’s thriller winner Marianne Vos was skipping the second race, giving runner-up Lucinda Brand a chance for redemption. Could the World Champ Brand take advantage of Vos’ absence?
Inge van der Heijden led the pack up the cobbled climb, while Italian Alicia Arzufi was stuck with a drivetrain jam.
Brand quickly made her way to the front, drawing out Denise Betsema. The two had to run the updated off-camber descent heading into the cobbled climb, while Puck Pieterse stayed on her bike chasing the lead two.
Brand tackling one of the many run-ups. 2021 Namur UCI Cyclocross World Cup, Elite Women. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
The course’s most-famous off-camber descent was updated by Erwin Vervecken, moving up the hill by ten feet to avoid the last few years’ grooves, and Brand aced the first test while Betsema climbed off and ran.
While the race and fans were missing yesterday’s dramatic winner Vos, they got an alphabetical upgrade with the return of Vas. The Hungarian returned after a long break and initially looked like she didn’t miss a step, but had troubles and did not finish.
On lap two, the top three remained constant, but behind, Worst and Van der Heijden led Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, Fem can Empel and Helen Clauzel in the chase for podium spots. Eva Lechner and Maghalie Rochette were close behind.
Brand leads Betsema. 2021 Namur UCI Cyclocross World Cup, Elite Women. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
The race for victory was a two-woman race, and Betsema kept the gap steady at 15 seconds betweenthe third and sixth and final lap, with Pieterse over a minute behind.
Betsema was just one major Brand mistake from the lead, but Brand was close enough to perfection to secure her fourth-straight victory at the iconic Belgian course.
Brand leads Betsema. 2021 Namur UCI Cyclocross World Cup, Elite Women. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
There was a bit of suspense in the race for third, with a fading Pieterse being hunted by Alvarado, one of the best descenders on the day, and Van Empel.
Pieterse stayed away, with Van Empel taking fourth.
Betsema, Brand and Pieterse. 2021 Namur UCI Cyclocross World Cup, Elite Women. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
Rochette had another top ten in tenth, while U.S. National Champ was just behind in 11th.
Full results below. Stay tuned for more photos and Junior and U23 coverage.
