Andorra Skier Joan Verdú Chooses New Zealand Training Camp with New Coach Natko Zrnčić-Dim

Joan Verdú, Andorra's top alpine skier with the VAN DEER-Red Bull team, plans a major preseason training stint in New Zealand under new coach Natko Zrnčić-Dim, moving away from earlier Argentina options like Cerro Castor. While not fully confirmed, Verdú described it as a key block ahead of the World Cup opener in Sölden, driven by personal preference. "Returning there is more of a personal choice, as it's where I've enjoyed myself the most," he said at a government reception for Andorra's Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics delegation.

The Croatian, a former World Cup racer replacing Juan Lago, brings motivation and high-level insight despite less coaching experience than some peers. "I'm very satisfied to have found the profile we needed—someone highly motivated, committed, with solid experience and good ties to other teams for joint sessions," Verdú said. The two have spoken often by phone and expect to meet soon to finalize plans. Verdú also welcomes back Josh Alayrach, ex-skier and Carla Mijares' former coach, for hands-on physical prep alongside Damià Costa. "We've built a solid, young team full of energy, and I trust them completely," he added.

Verdú began physical training on Monday after steady cycling and looks forward to smoother equipment adaptation this season, aided by an extra giant slalom on the calendar. "It's great news—we were specialists running fewer races," he noted.

Cande Moreno advances in recovery from left knee ACL surgery, now cycling after six weeks without weight-bearing. "I'm progressing well and feeling confident, treating this like preseason," she said, eyeing snow contact by late October or early November and a February peak for the World Championships, potentially in St. Moritz, subject to medical approval.

Carla Mijares shifts to coach Pol Carreras from Alayrach while healing from a fibula stress fracture. She aims to build on her World Cup starts, including Andorra's home race. "It's a fresh challenge, and I know the course inside out," she said.

Cross-country skier Gina del Rio draws lessons from the Olympics, where physical setbacks kept her below peak. She targets a full under-23 schedule next season, culminating in the Falun World Championships.

Head of Government Xavier Espot hailed the delegation—Verdú, del Rio, and Moreno—as "an example of perseverance and talent," adding that sport measures success through resilience beyond results.