"I am in spectacular shape" - Felipe Orts excited to challenge himself against Wout van Aert in Benidorm

Over the festive period and the new year, cyclocross takes full focus in the cycling world. Six races on the calendar were recently boosted by the presence of Team Visma | Lease a Bike superstar Wout van Aert. That's not to say the Belgian will have things all his own way though.

One of the stars of the cyclocross season so far has been Spaniard Felipe Orts, notably finishing runner-up at the European Championship behind Thibau Nys. In the new year, one of the races both Orts and Van Aert will be competing head to head, will be at the World Cup Benidorm, where the Spaniard is keen to challenge himself against the Belgian.

"I say it without complexes, I'm going to fight for victory. I can hardly keep up with the pile of places of honour, so I'm going for victory," Orts says to the organization of Benidorm. "Every year I have made progress, fought for podiums. I work hard to reach the top positions. The harder, the better. Because I am in spectacular shape."

As you can tell though, the Ridley rider is not short of self-confidence and is determined to make his mark in the biggest races. "In Benidorm, everything is in my favour," explains the 29-year-old. "Racing in Benidorm is super special. Because you experience it here, you can experience it in few places. The support of the fans can give me that push in the back to fight for the podium."

Sadly for Orts and Ridley though, the team continue to be without new signing, Dutch national champion Joris Nieuwenhuis. "Unfortunately, my teammate got injured and all the responsibility fell on my shoulders, but I am living up to expectations and we are all happy," Orts concludes. "In any case, it is reassuring to race for a Belgian team, because everything is more accessible."