Michael Vanthourenhout and Lucinda Brand win HG Cross in Dendermonde

Michael Vanthourenhout and Lucinda Brand secured victories at the HG Cross in Dendermonde, marking the season opener for the Belgian cyclocross calendar.

In the men's race, Vanthourenhout of the Pauwels Sauzen-Altez team utilized a strong final lap to break away from the field. After an intense battle involving several riders, including Yordi Corsus and Joran Wyseure, Vanthourenhout's decisive attack in the sand section allowed him to solo to victory. Yordi Corsus finished second, followed by Wyseure in third.

In the women's category, Lucinda Brand won after a close competition with Ceylin Alvarado. Brand maintained a high pace in the final lap to finish one second ahead of Alvarado, with Denise Betsema taking third place.