This page contains the podium, decisive moments, tactical analysis, team verdicts, and per-rider performance reports. Read no further if you intend to watch this race unspoiled.
Lucinda Brand attacked at the end of lap two and soloed to victory on the dusty Benidorm circuit, securing her second consecutive overall 2025–2026 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup title. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado was the strongest of the chasers in second, with France's Amandine Fouquenet best of the rest for third.
OPENINGBrand arrived in Benidorm already leading the World Cup standings and as the most consistent rider of the winter. The Costa Blanca course — dry, dusty and power-favouring rather than muddy — suited a strength rider, and Brand controlled the opening from the front of a tight lead group.
UNFOLDSThe decisive move came at the end of lap two, when Brand accelerated and went clear on her own. From there she rode solo at the front, progressively stretching her advantage through the middle and closing laps without ever being seriously threatened.
DECIDEDWith Brand gone, the race behind became a fight for the remaining podium places. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado established herself as the strongest pursuer and settled into a secure second, while a small chasing group disputed third.
FINALEBrand crossed alone in 52m 01s. Alvarado came home at +0:10 for second; France's Amandine Fouquenet emerged best of the rest at +0:12 to take third, just edging compatriot Célia Gery on the same time in fourth. The win sealed Brand's second consecutive overall UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup title.
A dominant team afternoon. Lucinda Brand did the headline work — a clean lap-two solo that delivered the win and locked up her second straight overall World Cup title — while teammates Shirin van Anrooij (6th) and Fleur Moors (7th) packed the chase behind. The depth underlined why Baloise controlled the women's series all winter.
Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado was the only rider who could respond once Brand was gone, pulling clear of the rest of the chasers to take a solo second at +0:10. No answer to the winner, but comfortably the strongest of the pursuit.
France's Amandine Fouquenet won the scrap for the final podium step, taking third at +0:12 and just holding off compatriot Célia Gery on the same time — a standout World Cup result against a deep field.
Benidorm confirmed Lucinda Brand as the 2025–2026 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup overall winner for the second year running, the reward for the most consistent women's campaign of the winter. Alvarado's second extended a strong run as the closest challenger, while Fouquenet's third capped an excellent series for the French rider.