Felipe Orts is thriving in his element on the cyclocross circuit. The Villajoyosa native has kicked off the season with a clear display of dominance, establishing himself as the premier Spanish specialist in this demanding discipline. Across the Iberian Tour, he logged a string of strong results that signal a confident start to the year and a shift toward international competition.
During the Iberian Tour’s opening phase, Orts took part in five races across Galicia and Portugal, delivering two victories and three runner-up finishes. He began in Pontevedra with a second place in an international C-1 event, then claimed a win in the C-2 race in Marine. In Pontes he again finished on the podium in a C-1 test, followed by another podium in Ribadumia in C-2 where a flat tire hindered his run near the end. The early results cemented his status as a top contender in the regional circuit and a formidable opponent for visiting rivals.
In the first Portuguese race, Orts took the overall victory, finishing 26 seconds ahead of his closest rival and 1 minute 21 seconds ahead of another strong Spaniard, Kevin Suárez. The conditions were wet and muddy, a setting Orts relished, which allowed him to showcase his technical prowess and endurance. His post-race reflections highlighted the demanding nature of the terrain and the satisfaction of a successful start on unfamiliar tracks.
Comments after the event underlined a satisfying start to the cyclocross season and a sense of physical and technical mastery across the course. Orts spoke about the course’s challenging mix of mud, climbs, and tight corners, noting how it played to his strengths and contributed to a solid Iberian Tour conclusion with a victory on the last day of competition.
The Villajoyosa rider will remain with his current squad through December 31 and is set to join a new team at the start of 2024 under the umbrella of the Aitana Cycling Club, with an eye toward continuing to compete at the highest levels. The transition marks a new chapter as he aims to broaden his impact beyond national events and compete against the world’s elite in a global calendar that includes World Cup rounds and major European tests.
Following the Iberian Tour, Orts has sharpened his focus on forthcoming races in the Netherlands and Belgium, regions recognized as the cradle of world cyclocross. These events will serve as a proving ground for his ambitions to race among the sport’s best, including top international rivals from across Europe and beyond. Orts has already established himself as a five-time Spanish champion, and the aim now is to translate that national success into sustained success on the world stage, facing challengers such as renowned competitors from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Belgium.
At the press podium, Orts has consistently framed his season goals as a path toward a stronger world ranking, stronger start positions in major tests, and a broader international footprint. His efforts in the Iberian Tour provided meaningful momentum and confidence as he prepared for the Benidorm World Cup, a race many see as a pivotal moment in the run-up to a crowded international calendar. The event in Benidorm is viewed as a valuable opportunity to showcase consistency and speed on a familiar yet challenging track, with an eye on building form for subsequent World Cup rounds.
As the season advances, Orts remains focused on climbing the global ladder. The objective is straightforward: establish himself among cycling’s top contenders, translate domestic success into international results, and maintain the momentum built during the Iberian Tour. The overall arc of his season is guided by the aim of improving the previous World Cup performance and securing a solid position ahead of a demanding early-year schedule, with an emphasis on readiness for World Cup events and other premier tests on the calendar.
Felipe Orts on the Benidorm World Cup and beyond
In discussions about the Benidorm World Cup, Orts has expressed excitement about the prospect of a day of high-quality racing in a setting close to home. The race is viewed as a major opportunity to compete against the world’s best while delivering a performance that could boost his standing in the ranking and set him up for a competitive block of events in the new year.
His objective remains clear: secure a place in the top tier of the circuit, establish a strong starting position in upcoming races, and build toward the world-level events that lie ahead. The Iberian Tour results have served as a solid foundation, reinforcing his confidence and signaling that this season could mark a notable step forward for the rider from Vila. Orts continues to pursue excellence with a pragmatic mindset, embracing the challenges of the calendar and the chance to race against the sport’s most accomplished cyclists.
Looking ahead, Orts aims to translate domestic success into international results, riding with the same intensity and commitment that characterized his Iberian Tour performances. The road forward involves diverse races across Europe, with the Netherlands and Belgium serving as critical testing grounds for his ongoing development. The season’s trajectory suggests that Orts is positioned to make a meaningful impact, leveraging his experience, technical skill, and resilience to compete with the sport’s elite. The world of cyclocross will be watching as he presses forward, one race at a time, toward broader recognition and a stronger international profile.