Home > News

Lucinda Brand on Fem van Empel’s late-race move: ‘Unacceptable’

The two riders had a thrilling finale, but the silver medallist wasn't happy with her fellow Dutchwoman

Lucinda Brand on Fem van Empel’s late-race move: ‘Unacceptable’ Photo by: Nick Iwanyshyn

The elite women’s race was arguably one of the most exciting of this weekend’s event, with Lucinda Brand and Fem Van Empel coming to the line together. It was the latter who defended her crown, taking her third rainbow jersey – but it was not without controversy.

In one of the final bends, van Empel closed the door on Brand – and for the Lidl-Trek rider, the door was slammed a little too hard.

“Was it necessary to push me into the barriers?” she asked. After receiving her silver medal, Brand was on the verge of tears.

“Right now, I’m very upset. It was a beautiful race, and Fem and I were well-matched,” she said to Sporza after. “Everyone knows she would normally be the strongest in that final straight. But I don’t know what to make of the fact that it was necessary to push someone into the barriers. Honestly, I didn’t think that was acceptable.”

On the last technical section, the 35-year-old, who is nearing the end of her career, said she had the better line. “Fem saw me coming and pushed me to the outside,” she said. “I’m not saying I would have won without that maneuver, but I would have been more at peace with it. It’s a shame this was necessary.”

She went on to say she was lucky she didn’t fall into that pole.

“But we both rode at our limits, and normally she was faster than me. Fem would have beaten me at the finish.”

Brand ultimately couldn’t hold back her tears. “I had a super beautiful season, and I’ve always said that this day wouldn’t make or break my year, but this World Championship could have made it a lot better,” she said. “I’ve been looking forward to this so much, and I think I did nothing wrong. Everyone has helped me, and I can be really proud of that.”

Belgian team coach Sven Nys seemed to be visibly irritated with the move, but then was more composed after the race.

“Lucinda’s comment? She said that in the heat of the moment,” he said calmly. “I don’t want to downplay it, but I don’t think it was enough to call it unacceptable. It’s a shame, but Lucinda has to put this behind her, and she will after a good night’s sleep.”

Nys ultimately said that Fem van Empel has nothing to blame herself for. “Lucinda showed character,” he said. “But when you fall short by just a few seconds at the end of your career, it’s tough.”