Is Lucinda Brand on the verge of cyclocross immortality? A staggering 50 consecutive podium finishes is putting her within striking distance of eclipsing even the legendary Marianne Vos as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). It's a testament to relentless dedication and exceptional talent, but is it enough to cement her legacy?
Lucinda Brand's 2024-2025 season wasn't necessarily her most victorious – that honor likely belongs to her dominant 2021-2022 season, where she stormed to victory in an astounding 20 out of 33 races, often sporting the coveted rainbow jersey of a world champion. However, the 2024-2025 season stood out for its unparalleled consistency. She achieved a podium finish in every single one of her 33 races, culminating in a remarkable streak of 41 consecutive podiums across all events. That's right, she didn't just win; she was always a contender.
And this season (2025-2026) is proving to be no different. The 36-year-old Dutch powerhouse has participated in nine races thus far, and guess what? She's finished in the top two every single time! Only Sara Casasola (at Superprestige Overijse) and Inge van der Heijden (at the European Championships, remember that exciting race?) have managed to break her winning streak to take the top spot. Victories at Merksplas and Hamme this past weekend have propelled Brand to an astonishing 50 consecutive podium finishes. But here's where it gets controversial... some might argue that consistently finishing second or third doesn't carry the same weight as outright wins. Does this streak truly reflect dominance, or simply remarkable consistency?
"I'm not that into statistics, but this is very special," Brand humbly stated after her victory at 'Strawberrycross' Merksplas on Saturday. "For some people it seems a matter of course, but it's not. I'm very happy with it."
There's a certain poetry to this achievement. The current podium streak began at the very same Hamme Flandriencross where it recently reached its 50th milestone, a race where Brand finished second to the phenomenal Fem van Empel in January 2024. This followed a fourth-place finish at the UCI World Cup Benidorm, two weeks after her last DNF (Did Not Finish), showcasing her incredible resilience.
Now, a podium streak might not be the most glamorous or immediately obvious accolade, but it deserves recognition as a testament to both exceptional talent and unwavering determination. And this is the part most people miss... it's especially rare to see such a streak occur in the later stages of a professional athlete's career. Typically, these runs happen early on, when young, up-and-coming riders are disrupting the established order. Brand, however, began her streak at the age of 34, proving that age is just a number when it comes to dedication and skill. Other legendary cyclists who have achieved similar feats include Marianne Vos and Mathieu van der Poel.
This achievement raises a fascinating question: What truly defines a GOAT in cyclocross? Is it the sheer number of victories, or is it the consistent ability to perform at the highest level, race after race? Lucinda Brand's incredible podium streak certainly makes a compelling case for the latter. What do you think? Does consistency outweigh outright wins in the GOAT debate? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
