Orts starts the CX season on a high note.

A highly positive assessment for Felipe Orts, Burgos-BH, after the three races in Belgium, his debut in the CX World Cup, and his victory in Luxembourg.

In a month of competition in the mud, the current Spanish cyclocross champion has already demonstrated the good form he is in after securing victory on the fields of the town of Contern, the venue for the second race of the Skoda Cross Cup CX in Luxembourg.

"I planned to start without overexerting myself because the circuit was very tricky. It had rained a lot, and it was every man for himself out there. I started at my own pace, but four or five riders went out faster than me, attacking each other and spending a lot of energy. I saved my strength, and halfway through the race, I caught up with the leading group. Just by setting my own pace, I opened up a gap of ten, fifteen seconds, which I was able to maintain until the end. The objective here was to win, and we achieved it in a challenging race against competitors of quite a high level like Thijs Aerts (Baloise Trek Lions) and Lander Loockx (Deschacht Hens Maes), who were more suited to the circuit than I was. I felt very good, and a victory outside of Spain is always difficult and very important," said Orts.

Adding to his first victory in the European CX calendar outside of Spain, we have a series of impeccable performances. Last Thursday, on the 21st, he competed in the Ardooie race, facing very heavy rain and mud. He managed to improve steadily throughout the race, securing a top-10 finish, coming within seconds of the competitors in the top-5. The race was eventually won by the Belgian Laurens Sweeck.

Two days later, on Saturday the 23rd, he competed again in the Ruddervoorde Superprestige.

With favorable conditions of a fast circuit and good temperature, Orts positioned himself at the front from the first lap. He even climbed to 6th place during the race, ultimately closing the event with a strong 7th position, showcasing incredible technical skills in the most challenging sections. The race was won by the Belgian rider Eli Iserbyt, ahead of his compatriots Quinten Hermans and Toon Aerts.

As a conclusion to this week of CX competitions in Belgian soil, on Sunday the 24th, he competed in the Zonhoven World Cup.

The return to the World Cup took place on a course filled with descents and sandy sections. Starting from the third row, gradually picking up pace and fighting for a top-15 position throughout the race, the rider from Alicante ultimately finished in 18th place.

"The Ardooie circuit didn't suit me at all, it was very heavy. Also, I was tired from traveling, being in Galicia, Alicante, Burgos... But I managed to pick up pace gradually and finish 10th. Saturday in Ruddervoorde was a great race, the circuit suited me well, I felt good, had a good start, maintained my position, and even climbed to sixth place, although I ultimately finished seventh at the finish line, which is very important in a Superprestige race. In Zonhoven, I was able to get to know the circuit and make my debut this season in the World Cup. I started quite far back, but I was able to climb up in sandy terrain, which is not my strong suit. I had a small fall that set me back and slowed down my progress, but I'll take the result and overall the positive balance of these three CX races."

After a few days of recovery, the rider from Alicante will be back to tackle the rest of the CX season.

Photo: @alvarocycling

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