The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup series wrapped up this Sunday in Hoogerheide, where Eli Iserbyt (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal) and Lucinda Brand (Baloise Trek Lions) officially claimed the overall titles in their respective categories. Brand had actually locked in her victory during the penultimate stop in Flamanville, France, meaning that despite finishing second to Marianne Vos (Jumbo-Visma) in the final Hoogerheide race, her crown was already secure.
Eli Iserbyt (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal) and Lucinda Brand (Baloise Trek Lions) clinched the overall series titles in the men’s and women’s UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup series respectively. Both claimed their titles following the final round of race in Hoogerheide on Sunday. Brand sealed the second spot to compatriot Marianne Vos (Jumbo-Visma) in Hoogerheide. Though Brand finished second, she had already accumulated enough points to win the series at the penultimate round in Flamanville, France.
Across the 15-event series, Eli Iserbyt established himself as the rider to beat, securing seven first-place finishes in Wateroo, Overijse, Iowa City, Besançon, Koksijde, Flamanville, and Hoogerheide. His consistency was remarkable; in the races where he didn't take the top spot, he still managed to finish in the top three on five separate occasions.
In the Hoogerheide finale, Iserbyt used a clever tactical approach, waiting until the final lap to make his move. He managed to hunt down his main rival, Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers), who had led for much of the middle stage. Although Pidcock put up a fierce fight as the race neared its end, he fell short. Iserbyt took the win by a narrow two-second margin over Lars van der Haar, adding a 14th victory to his seasonal tally.
With a commanding total of 485 points, Iserbyt finished well clear of the rest of the field. Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen – Bingoal) took second place, though he trailed significantly with a gap of 128 points. Toon Aerts (Baloise Trek Lions) rounded out the top three, finishing with 348 points.
Lucinda Brand demonstrated incredible form throughout the season, winning six different rounds in Fayetteville, Tabor, Besançon, Hulst, Namur, and Dendermonde. Her dominance was further highlighted by six additional podium finishes. Brand finished the series with 432 points, comfortably beating runner-up Denise Betsema (Pauwels Sauzen – Bingoal), who had 361 points. Puck Pieterse (Apecin-Fenix) claimed third place with 350 points.
Both Iserbyt and Brand enter the UCI Cyclo-cross Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas (January 28-31) as the clear favorites for the world titles. Given his recent dominance, Iserbyt will captain a strong eight-man Belgian squad that includes Michael Vanthourenhout, Quinten Hermans, Toon Aerts, Daan Soete, Laurens Sweeck, Jens Adams, and Vincent Baestaens.
Similarly, the highly competitive Lucinda Brand will lead the Dutch women's team of eight. Joining her are Denise Betsema, Annemarie Worst, Inge van der Heijden, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, Manon Bakker, Marianne Vos, and Yara Kastelijn.