Brand secures five in a row in Gavere

Lucinda Brand claimed her fifth consecutive World Cup victory in Gavere. The Dutch rider finished ahead of Amandine Fouquenet and Puck Pieterse, further strengthening her lead in the overall standings.

There was no mud around Grenier Castle this year, but the riders were faced with an extremely fast course in Gavere. Amandine Fouquenet (Arkea–B&B Hotels Women) was the first to enter the field, proudly wearing the French tricolour. One of the most remarkable starts came from Jolanda Neff (Cannondale Factory Racing). Starting from the fifth row, the Swiss rider quickly moved to the front, but her moment of glory was short-lived, as Neff would not play a major role in the race.

The first acceleration of the race came from Shirin van Anrooij (Baloise Glowi Lions). She formed a leading group together with her teammate Lucinda Brand and Fouquenet. At the end of the first lap, the trio had a small advantage over the Alpecin–Deceuninck duo Puck Pieterse and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, as well as Célia Gery (AS Bike Racing / France Literie).

The two groups looked set to come together at the start of the second lap, but Van Anrooij had other ideas. The Dutch rider accelerated once more, this time with Pieterse on her wheel. Brand seemed to need some time to find her rhythm in Gavere, but halfway through the second lap she managed to rejoin the leaders. Shortly afterwards, Van Anrooij’s chances of victory were ruined by a crash and mechanical issues.

Although there was no mud, the top layer of the course still proved treacherous. After Pieterse crashed, Brand increased the pace. The World Cup leader was initially joined by the French duo Fouquenet and Gery, but that company did not last long. With three laps to go, Brand had flown the coop.

Fouquenet and Pieterse battled for second place. Pieterse was unable to close a small gap and ultimately had to settle for third.