Felipe Orts praises Benidorm World Cup and presence of Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert - "I expect this competition to keep getting bigger"

The 13th round of the cyclocross World Cup takes place in Benidorm, one of the newest additions to the top of the ranks in the sport, but also a race that became quite popular. Spain's main representative Felipe Orts is very happy to be able to compete at home.

“In the cyclocross world, a World Cup round is a big competition. Last year, everyone from the region came here to take a look before the start. Normally there is not such a race in Benidorm," Orts said in words to Wielerflits. "It was great last year and it will be again this time. Everyone is happy with this event. Last year the big cyclocross stars were already there: Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. I expect this competition to keep getting bigger.”

The fast nature of the track led to tight and explosive races last year, and despite the less good weather this time around, the same can be expected. Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock headline a big men's field, whilst the women's race features all of the big names that were expected to be present. As for Orts, he has a clear goal for this event: “I'm aiming for a place in the top ten."

"Last year I came ninth. I would like to join the top this year. But that is difficult, because it will be a fast race. A small mistake is crucial. My feeling is good, but I expect Sunday to be a difficult, tough day for myself."