Lucinda Brand Wins Koppenbergcross Race
Reigning world champion Brand pulled away on the third lap to win the X20 Trofee Oudenaarde cyclo-cross race in Oudenaarde.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Cycling
Lucinda Brand won the X20 Trofee Oudenaarde cyclo-cross race at Koppenbergcross, attacking on the third lap and finishing in 53:29. Italian champion Sara Casasola took second, 53 seconds back, and Marie Schreiber was third, 30 seconds behind Casasola.
Why it matters
The result extends Brand's season, which now includes four race wins, and reinforces her form as reigning world champion. The race's six ascents of the Koppenberg made the climb the decisive point of the contest.
Brand's winning time was 53:29, with Casasola 53 seconds adrift and Schreiber a further 30 seconds back after six ascents of the Koppenberg. Brand has now won four races this season.
The players
Lucinda Brand
Brand is a Dutch cyclo-cross rider who is the reigning world champion and won this race outright.
Sara Casasola
Casasola is an Italian cyclo-cross rider and national champion who finished second in this race.
The details
Brand attacked on the third lap and built her advantage through the s-bends on the lower section of the course, then extended it across the repeated Koppenberg climbs. Casasola and Schreiber could not close the gap in the final laps.
Timeline
Race held in Oudenaarde, with the result recorded on 2026-11-01
Season Trajectory
The Koppenbergcross result adds to Brand's season tally of four wins, reinforcing her position as the rider to beat in women's cyclo-cross. Her win on one of the sport's most recognized climbs places her among the leading contenders in the current season.
Brand's four wins this season and her world championship status make her a key name to track for upcoming cyclo-cross rounds. Fantasy and betting interest in the women's field will likely center on her ability to repeat on climbs like the Koppenberg.
The takeaway
Brand's win shows how a single climb can decide a cyclo-cross race, and riders who attack early on technical sections can build gaps that rivals struggle to close.
Further reading
Explore more Cycling coverage for the wider context of this season's racing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cyclingnews.
