"It is a difficult day for me and for my family" - Emotional Felipe Orts dedicates Exact Cross Loenhout podium to recently deceased uncle

Felipe Orts will never forget this December 29, 2023, where in the Exact Cross of Loenhout he has completed what may have been the best performance of his professional career. The Spaniard has climbed the podium along with Mathieu van der Poel, who remains unbeatable this season in cyclocross, where he has won everything he has competed, and has left an image to remember.

Orts was flying, aware that it could be his day, as if something or someone was pushing him from behind to help him finish the race of his life in style. In his statements after the Exact Cross, the Spanish rider burst into tears after confirming that his uncle had passed away just a day before the race. For professional reasons he could not be with his family, but at least he was able to dedicate one of his most special performances to him.

“My uncle passed away yesterday, so I really did this for him. It is a difficult day for me and for my family. Because of the crosses I can't go back to my family. I'm glad I was able to do this,” said Orts, fighting back the tears. “It was a tough battle to finish on the podium. In the last lap Gianni Vermeersch and Ryan Kamp went very fast and I had to fight back. I'm happy that I could finish on the podium."

During these days, Felipe Orts is finishing his current stage with Burgos BH. In three days, with the arrival of 2024, the Spaniard will race with his own team, the FORTS Team.