Brand and Nys triumph at Flandriencross

Lucinda Brand took her seventh win of the season at Flandriencross on Sunday, doubling up on a bumper weekend that began with victory at Merksplas. Feeling a little public pressure to score a 50th consecutive podium, Brand led from the first lap right to the end, holding a pretty steady margin over European Champion Inge van der Heijden.

The battle for third was tighter as Aniek van Alphen and Marie Schreiber fought shoulder to shoulder, but Van Alphen came out on top with a well-timed attack in the final lap. Brand, Van der Heijden and Van Alphen have now shared four podiums in a row, the latter the only one yet to get a win.

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In the men's race, Thibau Nys was in a vengeful mood, but a flying Cameron Mason made life very difficult for the Belgian national champion throughout the race. Both formed part of the six-man group that took the lead early, until Mason attempted a solo move. Unfortunately for the Scot, still searching for his first major victory, Nys was able to regain contact, and it came down to a two-up sprint for the win.

Elite women's top 5

1. Lucinda Brand (Baloise Glowi Lions) 42:35
2. Inge van der Heijden (Crelan-Corendon) +0:09
3. Aniek van Alphen (Seven Racing) +0:22
4. Marie Schreiber (SD Worx-Protime) +1:05
5. Julie Brouwers (Charles Liégeois Roastery CX) +1:09

Elite men's top 5

1. Thibau Nys (Baloise Glowi Lions) 1:01:13
2. Cameron Mason (Seven Racing) +0:01
3. Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ridley Racing Team) +0:12
4. Lars van der Haar (Baloise Glowi Lions) +0:14
5. Laurens Sweeck (Crelan-Corendon) +0:32

dailynews Cyclocross Lucinda Brand Thibau Nys