Andorran Skier Joan Verdú Wins Short Route at Spain's 'La 10 Picos' Cycling Event
Competing as cross-training for the ski season, Verdú conquered the 65km Serra d’Espadà course with 1,300m elevation gain in 2 hours 15 minutes, outpacing elite Spanish athletes.
Key Points
- Andorran skier Joan Verdú won short route of 'La 10 Picos' cycling event in Spain.
- Completed 65km Serra d’Espadà course with 1,300m elevation in 2h 15m as ski cross-training.
- Beat elite Spanish athletes including ex-pro cyclist Juan Miguel Mercado.
- Event had over 900 participants; Joaquín Azorín won longer 134km route.
Andorran alpine skier Joan Verdú claimed victory in the short route of the demanding ‘La 10 Picos’ cycling event on Saturday in Onda, Spain’s Castelló province.
Verdú, a member of the Andorran Ski Federation (FAE) and the VAN DEER–Red Bull Sports team, used the challenge as cross-training ahead of the upcoming ski season. He powered through the 65-kilometre course, which included 1,300 metres of elevation gain, no flat stretches, and three mountain passes in the Serra d’Espadà. Despite his lack of road cycling expertise, he finished in approximately two hours and 15 minutes, ahead of the field.
The start line featured prominent Spanish athletes, such as Valencia CF alumni Paco Camarasa and David Navarro, alongside former professional cyclist Juan Miguel Mercado, a two-time Tour de France stage winner. Verdú later praised the Serra d’Espadà landscape, noting he had not realised it was so appealing for cycling.
The event drew more than 900 participants overall. In the longer 134-kilometre route with 3,300 metres of climbing, Albacete cyclist Joaquín Azorín took the win.
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