At the Berencross in Meulebeke on October 17, 2026, Dutch cyclocross specialist Lucinda Brand secured a podium finish in professional competition despite suffering a mid-race crash, WielerFlits reported. Brand, racing in West Flanders, managed to recover from an early fall that temporarily pushed her back in the field before finishing among the top three.

Brand Recovers From Fall to Maintain Streak

The Dordrecht-born rider entered the Meulebeke race aiming for another victory after earlier wins this season in Dendermonde and Ardooie. However, a fall halfway through the race disrupted her rhythm. WielerFlits reported that Brand dropped far back following the incident, experiencing some physical discomfort before testing her recovery. After that fall I fell far back. I had some pain, but I wanted to feel how it went further, Brand said. After half a lap I got through it again and wanted to try it again. It’s nice that I am still on the podium. Brand assessed her physical readiness positively for the upcoming months, stating that her condition is on track despite the heavy early-season workload.

Van Empel Makes Long-Awaited Return After Mental Health Break

While Brand battled back to the podium, the race also marked the competitive return of former world champion Fem van Empel. Van Empel stepped away from the sport a year ago due to mental health challenges. Making her comeback in the mud at Meulebeke, the Dutch rider finished an encouraging fourth. It was immediately a good test to start with, Van Empel told. I didn’t really have an expectation beforehand. This is a windfall. Van Empel acknowledged that the course worsened with every lap and that she suffered throughout the entire event, but she expressed satisfaction with her performance and her initial pacing. She indicated plans to race weekly with the goal of earning selection for the European Championships in the coming weeks.

Respect for the Comeback Performance

Brand offered strong praise for her compatriot’s performance following the race. Despite her own crash, Brand observed Van Empel’s progression through the field. I went down on my face quickly, but I think she rode a good cross, Brand told WielerFlits regarding Van Empel’s race. She tried to hook up. I don’t think she finished far behind and on the fourth spot, so then you’ve had a nice start, it seems to me. Both Dutch athletes emerged from the West-Vlaamse mud with positive assessments as the cyclocross calendar gathers momentum.