Brand Wins Koppenbergcross With Koppenberg Attack
Cyclo-cross fans see the Koppenberg climb decide the margin, with Brand finishing 53 seconds clear of Casasola.
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 53 seconds ahead of Italian champion Sara Casasola. Marie Schreiber took third, 30 seconds further back, in a race held at the Koppenberg climb in Oudenaarde.
Why it matters
For cycling fans following the cyclo-cross season, the result reinforces Brand's form as the reigning world champion, a title that carries weight heading into the rest of the calendar. The race's climb-heavy course rewards riders who can accelerate through technical sections, which is why the gaps opened where they did.
The result comes from official race timing for a single cyclo-cross event, with Brand's 53:29 finish time and the 53-second and 30-second gaps to the next two riders as the key measures. Brand's four season wins are the only season-level figure provided, and the broader standings impact is not addressed.
The players
Lucinda Brand
Dutch cyclo-cross and road racer and the reigning world champion, who won the Koppenbergcross race.
Sara Casasola
Italian champion cyclo-cross rider who finished second at Koppenbergcross.
Marie Schreiber
German cyclo-cross rider who finished third at Koppenbergcross.
The details
Brand made the decisive move through the s-bends on the lower part of the course, using the technical sections to open a gap. She then used the six ascents of the Koppenberg climb to extend her advantage over Casasola, who could not close the distance over the remaining laps.
Timeline
- The race took place in Oudenaarde, Belgium, with the attack coming on the third lap.
- The article was published on November 1, 2026.
Cycling Landscape
Koppenbergcross is a fixture of the Flanders cyclo-cross season, and its repeated Koppenberg ascents have long made the climb a proving ground for attacking riders. Brand's win extends that pattern, with the climb once again determining the margin of victory.
For cyclists, watching elite riders handle technical climbs and repeated efforts can be a useful reminder that pacing and recovery between hard efforts matter in training. Worth discussing with your doctor or coach if you plan to add high-intensity interval work to your routine.
The takeaway
Interval-style efforts like repeated climbs reward riders who can recover between hard surges, a training principle worth keeping in mind. If you plan to increase your training load, check in with a physician or coach first.
Further reading
For more on the season's top riders and results, explore our Cycling coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cyclingnews.
