Cadet star Valeria Piñol claims victory to lead standings, while under-23 and Vuelta a Gipuzkoa riders

Andorra's Andona Racing team earned podium finishes across multiple categories during the Catalan Cup mountain bike rounds in La Garriga and Granollers, highlighted by cadet rider Valeria Piñol's second place on Saturday and victory on Sunday, results that returned her to the top of the overall standings.

Piñol, an Andorran cyclist, has continued her strong season, holding a position in the top four of the Spanish Cup rankings. Andona president Xary Rodríguez praised her consistency, noting that several teams have shown interest in the rider due to her standout potential. "Valeria has shown a very high level throughout the season," Rodríguez said. "She is demonstrating exceptional ability."

In the under-23 category, Nora Sales advanced her position, joined by teammates Daianne Mourais, Ona Ferrando, and Aura Montaña. At the same time, the team competed in the three-stage Vuelta a Gipuzkoa, where Andrea Soldevila finished sixth overall, Raquel Balboa 14th, and Isis Baraldés 15th—placing three riders in the top 15.

These outcomes underscore Andona's ongoing growth in women's cycling, with a focus on youth development rather than one-off successes. Started four years ago with elite riders, the project now includes promotion categories for both girls and boys from pre-benjamin through cadet levels. Roughly 70% of riders are Andorran, with most others from Catalonia. Younger athletes start with adapted gymkhanas and circuits before entering competitive cadet racing, where boys and girls compete separately.

Rodríguez highlighted the challenges of training in Andorra's rugged terrain and frequent afternoon storms but pointed to progress in building a cycling culture among young people. "Our greatest pride is not a rider's position, but their evolution within the group and the values they bring both on and off the bike," she said.

Looking ahead, Andona aims to expand its youth roster, back Piñol's push for strong Spanish Cup results, and strengthen its under-23 and elite riders for national events.