Q&A: Lucinda Brand on cyclocross, Lidl-Trek's 2026 campaign, and more

Lucinda Brand, speaking after the In Flanders Fields-In Wevelgem race, offered insights into her demanding transition from a historic cyclocross season directly into the early road classics. The Lidl-Trek rider detailed the physical and mental adjustments required, touching upon the intensity of her winter campaign and the immediate demands of the spring calendar. Her comments highlight the unique challenges faced by multi-discipline athletes at the highest level.

This discussion is particularly pertinent given Brand's consistent performance across both cyclocross and road, including her 2021 Cyclocross World Championship title and numerous World Cup victories. Her ability to pivot between the two disciplines, often with minimal off-season, underscores the extraordinary physiological demands on these athletes. For Lidl-Trek, her versatility is a significant asset, but managing her peak performance across such a broad calendar remains a strategic balancing act for the team.

Brand's candour offers a rare glimpse into the relentless calendar of an elite multi-discipline rider. One can only admire the dedication, or perhaps question the sanity, required to maintain such a punishing schedule year after year.