Felipe Orts could not seal a flawless week, yet the Villajoyosa rider kept the momentum high. The European Cyclocross Championships in Pont-Château, France, offered a stage where a strong performance promised a possible podium, even if the final outcome came a bit short of that dream.
He arrived in excellent form and with confident mood following a standout result at the Maasmechelen World Cup in Belgium, where he clinched fifth place, marking his best finish to date and signaling a hot start to the season.
JA Galvan
Spain’s national champion chased his ambitions in a pivotal European Championship race. Throughout much of the event he stayed with the leaders, delivering solid laps and pushing hard for top positions. In the final stretch, rain and mud made the course unpredictable, and Orts finished ninth, 1 minute 23 seconds behind Belgian winner Michael Vanthourenhout, a victory that reinforced his status as one of the continent’s elite lightweights. Orts became the first Spaniard to cross the finish line in this race after an intense course battle.
The runner-up was Cameron Mason, eight seconds ahead of Orts in a spirited sprint for the podium, while Lars van der Haar completed the podium, finishing 19 seconds behind the winner. Orts walked away content with his effort, acknowledging the day’s difficulties while recognizing the value of a top-10 result that aligns with his broader ambitions for the season.
Reflecting on the race, the Alicante native explained that the conditions were brutal and the track nearly impossible at times. He emphasized the importance of staying focused and maintaining a strong rhythm throughout the test. Finishing inside the top 10 offered a clear reminder of his level and motivation to improve in upcoming events as the season unfolds.
Looking ahead, Orts plans to target more World Cup races, aiming to climb higher in the standings and convert strong form into podium finishes. The goal remains to refine technique on challenging courses and convert solid days into consistent results that build confidence for major championships on the calendar.
In the women’s competition, Van Empel continued her stride as the world champion, delivering a stubborn performance that kept Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado at bay by a margin of 1:35. The early 2020 edition marked a notable moment, with Van Empel asserting dominance in the field as Alvarado pressed hard for a breakthrough. The lineup also highlighted Sara Casasola earning third place, while Lucía González finished among the standings in the later positions, signaling the depth and competitiveness of the field.