Villajoyosa is set to be the main sponsor of a new cyclocross team, marking a strategic alliance between rider Felipe Orts, an eight-time Spanish champion, and the Fundación Euskadi. This project, named La Vila Joiosa-Fundación Euskadi, was officially unveiled this Sunday at the Casa de la Juventud, coinciding with the start of the ninth stage of La Vuelta a España from the municipality.
The presentation took place just meters from the neutralized start line of La Vuelta, placing Villajoyosa at the center of international cycling for the day. The event was attended by Mayor Marcos Zaragoza, Fundación Euskadi president Iñaki Isasi, rider Felipe Orts, and was hosted by sports journalist Nico van Looy. Also present were the president of the Alicante Provincial Council and mayor of Benidorm, Toni Pérez, along with Unipublic representatives such as Fernando Escartín, Kiko García, and Roberto Laiseka.
Project leaders outlined their ambitious sporting roadmap. The 2026-2027 World Cup has been set as a primary objective, featuring a scoring event in Benidorm. Other key targets include the Spanish Championship in Gijón, the Cyclocross World Championship in Ostend, Belgium, and participation in UCI races on the Basque calendar.
The agreement, signed for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons, ensures year-round visibility. Felipe Orts will lead Fundación Euskadi's cyclocross structure from October to February, then compete on the road with Euskaltel-Euskadi from March to September, accumulating UCI points in both disciplines. Orts, currently seventh in the UCI world rankings, brings eight consecutive Spanish championship titles, a European runner-up finish, and World Cup podiums to the project.
Mayor Marcos Zaragoza expressed the town's satisfaction in supporting Felipe Orts, highlighting the values of effort, perseverance, and humility he embodies. "For us, he is, above all, a local who carries the name of Villajoyosa wherever he competes," he stated. Zaragoza emphasized that the union with Fundación Euskadi represents a step forward for growth and competing with the best guarantees.
Felipe Orts thanked Fundación Ciclista Euskadi and the Villajoyosa City Council for their trust, expressing his great enthusiasm to make the project a reality starting in early October.
Iñaki Isasi, president of Fundación Euskadi, noted that Villajoyosa's involvement consolidates the foundation's overall cycling project and allows for the promotion of values like effort and self-improvement throughout the year.
The president of the Alicante Provincial Council, Toni Pérez, described the agreement as a strategic investment in cycling, talent, and the province's projection, underscoring the historical connection of the Alicante region with the sport.
