Andorran officials and local rider Roger Turné spotlight elite XCO, XCC, and DHI races, enhanced spectator

**Pal Arinsal to Host UCI Mountain Bike World Cup for 11th Straight Year, July 9-12**

Pal Arinsal will host the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup for the 11th consecutive year from July 9 to 12 as part of the WHOOP UCI MTB World Series, featuring elite races in cross-country Olympic (XCO), short track (XCC) and downhill (DHI).

Organisers presented details on Thursday at the ABBA Suites Xalet Hotel in La Massana, with attendees including Head of Government Xavier Espot, La Massana Cònsol Major Eva Sansa, Federació Andorrana de Ciclisme technical director Víctor de la Parte and event director general David Hidalgo. Espot described the event as far more than a premier sporting occasion, calling it an expression of Andorra's focus on high-quality tourism, nature preservation and professional organisation. Sansa noted that mountain biking now defines La Massana, positioning the parish as a hub for elite riders, amateurs, tourists and media.

Local rider Roger Turné will represent Andorra in XCO, competing in the under-23 category. Recovering from a late crash last year, he placed 37th at the season-opening Mona Yongpyong World Cup in South Korea. Turné targets finishing the full 3.8km circuit, a milestone no Pyrenean rider has achieved. De la Parte explained the federation's emphasis on grassroots development to build competitive athletes, preferring one strong entrant over unprepared ones.

The schedule starts Thursday with training. Friday features XCC finals on a 1.1km circuit for the top 30 ranked riders, plus DHI qualifications. Saturday hosts DHI finals on the 1.8km Fontanals track from Pic del Cubil, with XCO concluding Sunday.

Spectator enhancements include a Formula 1-style paddock near crowds for team arrivals, relocated technical and feed zones, a podium moved into the public area, additional giant screens at Caubella and real-time cameras tracking crowd flows and atmosphere. Hidalgo anticipates 5,000-6,000 visitors, boosted by the Bike Festival's live music, batucadas, family activities and a partial Bike Park opening from July 8 at reduced rates. Warner Bros. Discovery will directly support event animations.

Access prioritises the Massana telecabina, with shuttles between La Massana, Caubella and Fontanals, bike parking and sustainability measures via Bicicletes Sense Fronteres. Weather could influence turnout, but organisers stress smooth arrivals, comfort and orderly exits.

Last year's edition drew 653 athletes from 42 nations, coverage in 358 outlets across 48 countries, eight million viewers and €7.6 million in economic impact. Hidalgo targets matching or exceeding these figures.

Organisers have a preliminary agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery to extend the event for three more years beyond 2026, backed by Andorra Turisme, La Massana council and sponsors. World championships remain off the table for now. Tickets are on sale online for one to four days, including lifts, shuttles, seating and grandstands. Grandvalira Resorts season pass holders and people with disabilities enter free.