Andorran Ski Federation Lauds Alpine Growth and Olympic Efforts in 2025-2026 Review

The Andorran Ski Federation (FAE) delivered a generally positive review of the 2025-2026 season on Tuesday at the Creand building, praising alpine skiing's sporting growth and Olympic performances while identifying cross-country skiing's need for greater consistency amid setbacks.

Alpine skiing director Roger Vidosa acknowledged highs and lows but stressed overall advancement, including three athletes scoring World Cup points—a feat he noted would have been unthinkable in prior years. He lauded the Olympic efforts in Milan-Cortina by Joan Verdú, Jordina Caminal, Xavi Cornella, and Carla Mijares, saying the team "gave their all" to achieve strong positions despite injuries like Cande Moreno's.

Cross-country director Xabier del Val called the debut full World Cup calendar positive, with four top-15 finishes and three top-30s. Gina del Rio exceeded expectations in her first complete under-23 campaign, particularly in distance races like 10km and 20km events, where she surprised even herself. Del Val emphasized learning from small errors that heavily impact rankings, aiming for regularity. Irineu Esteve's season fell short after undetected overtraining from early autumn emerged in January, disrupting Olympic plans. Efforts to recover came too late, leading to a focus on physical restoration rather than forced competition.

Looking forward, Verdú described a challenging transition adapting to new Bandir (also reported as Van Deer-Red Bull Sports) equipment, including boots tailored to different styles. He secured a better setup before the Olympics, winning the second run there—his season highlight—before a final-race fall at Kranjska Gora. Recent testing in Austria has left him with a stronger base, and he remains committed to the sponsor, citing mutual confidence and improvements. Verdú is seeking a new head coach after Juan Lago, prioritizing motivation, World Cup contacts, and personal investment in the project. Josh Alayrach, previously with the women's team and Carla Mijares, will assist the incoming coach for the new Olympic cycle.

Del Rio intends to build under-23 experience while advancing in longer distances. Esteve, combining light cardio and swimming guided by feel, reports good recovery progress despite remaining work, staying motivated for future competition. Moreno skied at a high level until her Olympic downhill crash ruptured her left knee's anterior cruciate ligament—her second such injury, following the right knee. She expressed patience and positivity, targeting a nine-month snow return without haste, potentially in Chile.

Freestyle skier Joan Aracil finished 24th in the FWT Challenger, calling the year bittersweet due to lacking a clean final run. He plans fuller descents, new lines, and competition in the upcoming Qualifier.

The FAE assessment highlights resilience, professionalization, and lessons for a stronger cycle ahead.