Lucinda Brand crowned her exceptional winter in Hulst with the world title, but the conversation afterwards was surprisingly often not about victories, records or rainbow jerseys. About mental health, balance and Fem van Empel’s choice to take a step back. Brand did not doubt her message for a second: happiness is above all.
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Brand makes himself heard for the first time in a striking interview
“Cycling is not the most important thing”
After her world title, Brand responded openly and empathetically to the news surrounding Van Empel, who announced on January 1 that he would temporarily stop cyclo-cross. The motivation and pleasure were gone, and the Brabant woman consciously chose for her mental health. “I especially hope that Fem finds herself again and finds pleasure in the things she does again,” Brand said at WielerFlits. “That she lies in bed at night with the feeling that she has had a beautiful day.”
According to Brand, it matters little what that happiness looks like. “I saw on social media that she has made some nice trips. That only seems right to me. Doing things that you really enjoy, that give you energy. If that’s cycling again, fantastic. And if that’s something completely different, then that’s completely fine too.”
Balance as the key in modern cycling
The world champion placed Van Empel’s choice in a broader context. According to Brand, the pressure in cycling is greater than ever. “Today, so much emphasis is placed on details: nutrition, rest, recovery, everything has to be perfect. This almost gives you the feeling that you are no longer allowed to have a social life, because it costs energy or entails risks.”
Young riders in particular find it difficult to deal with this, according to Brand. “If you are very good at a young age, you do not always get the time to grow into that way of life. Then everything suddenly becomes very serious. I have had that time and that helps me to deal with it more calmly.”
Brand strongly believes in the importance of balance. “I’m not going to weigh my food down to the gram every day. That would make me restless and control my entire life. By letting go of some things, I stay calm and I can continue to enjoy my sport. That may be the reason I still reach this level.”
She also wants to pass on that perspective to Van Empel. “She has already had a fantastic career. Whatever she chooses, no one can take that away from her. Cycling is beautiful, but it is not the most important thing in life. Being happy is much more important.”
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