Lucinda Brand and Top Contenders Kick Off Cyclocross Season at Dendermonde Mosselcross

World champion Lucinda Brand and European champion Inge van der Heijden headline the opening of the 2026 cyclocross season at the HG Cross in Dendermonde, where the winner claims a unique 100-kilogram prize of mussels. While anticipation builds for the clash among Dutch and Belgian elite riders, French competitor Amandine Fouquenet was forced into a late withdrawal after breaking a handwortelbeentje a month ago, according to GVA.

Mosselcross Prize And New Dendermonde Course

The traditional season starter on October 11, 2026, features a distinct local reward. GVA noted that a local fish merchant from Berlare provides 100 kilograms of mussels for both the women’s and men’s victors. Wielerflits detailed that the venue shifts away from the muddy 2020 Wout van Aert mud-fest era. Mettepenningen had the layout redrawn so that the finish now sits on the grounds of Compost Vermeiren rather than the Hamsesteenweg. Riders face a steep climb up a sandy incline instead of a descent, while portions of the 75,000-square-meter course in Grembergen have been hardened to ensure a fast, dry race under temperatures reaching 15 degrees Celsius.

Early Lead Battles In The Women Field

Leonie Bentveld blasted off the start line to seize the early advantage before Inge van der Heijden assumed control at the head of the race, Sporza reported. GVA added that Aniek van Alphen cleanly cleared the hurdles early on while joining forces with Van der Heijden and Italian rider Bramati near the front. World champion Brand experienced a slow start, hovering outside the top ten through the opening lap and needing to navigate traffic on the twisting circuit. Meanwhile, Belgian champion Marion Norbert Riberolle slowly worked her way up through the chasing groups alongside Ceylin Alvarado by the third of seven laps.

As the race developed, 13 riders remained tightly packed together after completing three laps, all dreaming of claiming the 100 kilograms of mussels. Brand steadily worked her way from seventh position up to third place to chase down the leaders, while Denise Betsema advanced into fourth place behind her compatriots Van Alphen, Van der Heijden, and Bentveld.

Men Category Schedule And Next Fixtures

Following the conclusion of the women’s event, the men’s race is scheduled to start at 15:00 on October 11, 2026. GVA confirmed that the men’s field features top contenders including Niels Vandeputte, Michael Vanthourenhout, Laurens Sweeck, Gerben Kuypers, Joran Wyseure, Toon Vandebosch, Joris Nieuwenhuis, Mees Hendrickx, Cameron Mason, Pim Ronhaar, and Ryan Kamp.