Cycling: Felipe Orts climbs to an epic podium after another exhibition from Van der Poel!!
SHe deserved it for talent and results. Felipe Orts will never forget the Azencross 2023 of the legendary Belgian circuit of Loenhout, Antwerp. The national cyclocross champion had the race of his life, one in which he fought from start to finish to finish on a podium deserved for the level and perseverance shown in recent times. The Alicante native repeats the enormous result of Niel’s Superprestigio (3rd), evidence that he is one of the best in the world in the mud and once again breaks the glass ceiling of national cycling. Day of glory in another day in Mathieu Van der Poel’s office, one that only conjugates the verb to win.
What of Van der Poel still has no explanation. Neither the rain nor the mud of one of the totems of cyclocross, like Loenhout, they stopped the Dutchman who continues to count all the races of the season by victory. Without Van Aert or Pidcock in the fray, they put on a monumental show, in which Felipe Orts was a witness. The Burgos-BH cyclist was still – until January 1 – in charge, but Van der Poel accelerated in the technical and bicycle change area to leave everyone behind. From there, his usual show.
An epic ending
But Orts had things to say. His fight focused on Gianni Vermeersch, in one of his first forays of 2023 into the mud, and Ryan Kamp. A battle of fair forces and attacks to the limit. In the fifth lap – penultimate – Orts changed the rhythm in his specialty, the technical areas. In the enormous mud he saw himself with an advantage, but his rivals would not let him breathe. Vermeersch arrived and Kamp began to make the rubber.
The podium would be decided in the last lap. Kamp arrived and together with Vermeersch took advantage of the fact that Orts did not have as much motor on the straights. He seemed to have everything decided, but in such a ‘birdy’ circuit there would be more story to tell. Orts did not let go and On the last stretch he sprinted with what little he had left. It was enough for him because Kamp deflated and the Spanish champion made history on the squares. A new podium. Third.
For his part, Van der Poel arrived in another world. Six wins in six starts in 2023-24, adding Loenhout to Herentals, Mol, Antwerp, Gavere and Diegem. They have not lost since January 8, 2023 at the Zonhoven World Cup and can close a year without defeats. Nobody stops him.
