Lucinda Brand has been lighting up the finishes in Germany this week and on Stage 4 she played a scorcher and took victory in the reduced bunch sprint.
After knocking on the door of victory on stages 2 and 3, it was finally Lucinda Brand turn to stand on the top step of the podium at Thüringen Ladies Tour and she did not let the moment go to waste.
✊#LTLT24 📸 @GettySport pic.twitter.com/kNo5iUs8LC
— Lidl-Trek (@LidlTrek) June 28, 2024
The reduced bunch sprint finish had Lucinda’s name written all over and despite the climbs causing some earlier chaos in the race for Lidl-Trek, Shirin van Anrooij and Brodie Chapman were both in the front group and rallied around the eventual stage winner to help her on the run into the finish.
Lucinda Brand outlasted Karlijn Swinkels in a sprint. | Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images
In the drag race to the line, Lucinda unleashed her power, aided by her all-new Gen 8 Madone, to take an emphatic victory.
Lucinda Brand punches the air with delight after taking the win. | Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images
Lucinda’s Lowdown
Today was a bit of a shorter race but a heavy one on the legs with two hilly laps. I actually missed the split on the first lap, I didn't feel so great in that moment but somehow, we came back and I was able to follow again on the climbs. Kasia [Niewiadoma] was actually always the strongest there but, on this course, riding alone against a group was not in her favor so I knew that there was a big chance that we were going towards a sprint. We did a super good job because Brodie and Shirin were also in the reduced group with me and they both helped to keep the speed high.
Teamwork in the front group from Brodie Chapman, Shirin van Anrooij and Lucinda Brand. | Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images
I love these kinds of finishes but you still need to have the legs and to be in a good position. Today, everything was perfect. Of course, I am super happy with this win because on the previous days I didn't feel that good and I was expecting better legs after how I was racing before coming here so, winning is really nice. With three of the Team still in a good place on the GC, we are looking forward to seeing what the weekend brings now.
