Andorra Epic Pyrenées MTB Race Launches with 520 Riders and UCI Pros
The Ironman-organized Epic Series event, third round of 2023, draws massive international field including pros like Esteban Chaves and Louis Meintjes. Officials laud its economic boost and role in establishing Andorra as a MTB hub.
Key Points
- 520 riders in 260 pairs race 204km over 4 stages with 6,500m elevation from La Massana.
- Features 40 UCI pro teams, 98% international from 50 countries; defending champs Gesche-Stutzmann favored.
- Local stars Esteban Chaves, Louis Meintjes debut; stages end in La Massana before BTT World Cup.
- Event boosts tourism with 1,500 visitors, 9,000+ overnight stays, praised by officials.
The sixth edition of the Andorra Epic Pyrenées mountain bike race launched Friday morning at 9am from Pal Arinsal Bike Park in La Massana, featuring 520 riders in 260 pairs across four stages totaling 204km and around 6,500m of positive elevation gain.
Organized by Ironman and part of the Epic Series calendar, the event—the third round this year—draws nearly 40 UCI professional teams alongside amateurs, marking one of the largest fields internationally. Nearly all participants, 98%, come from abroad across 50 countries, led by Spain, South Africa, and Switzerland. Defending men's champions Sebastian Gesche and Marc Stutzmann enter as favorites, with Mónica Calderón and Costanza Fasilis tipped in the women's category. Residents Esteban Chaves, a former Il Lombardia winner, and Louis Meintjes make their Epic Series debuts as a pair, joined by Andorrans Xavier Jové and Oriol Pi in the elite category, plus Josep Maria Missé.
Stages continue Saturday from Naturland, Sunday from La Massana, and one more from Canillo, all finishing in La Massana. The race precedes the Pal Arinsal BTT World Cup by a week, positioning La Massana as a mountain biking hub over the coming days.
Organizers anticipate 1,500 visitors over eight days, including riders and an average of two companions each, boosting hotels, restaurants, and suppliers while enhancing Andorra's global profile in the sport. Last year's event generated over 9,000 overnight stays from participants, companions, and staff.
Tourism and Commerce Minister Jordi Torres highlighted the impact, stating it delivers "a very important return to the whole country and gives us very important positioning," while creating jobs for local businesses. He wished the race "a long life" for its contributions.
La Massana Cònsol Menor Roger Fité called it "already a classic that we would like to see continue," serving as "an important counterpoint to other events like the World Cup, but vital for us as a cycling parish."
Ironman Southern Europe director Agustí Pérez Capdevila praised the event as "a worldwide reference" that has found "the perfect location."
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