Cronoescalada del Solà Time Trial Returns July 24 in Andorra la Vella

The second edition of the Cronoescalada del Solà time trial is set for Friday, July 24, at 7pm, opening the Mamba Bike Challenge in Andorra la Vella. Organised by Bici Lab Andorra, the Comú d'Andorra la Vella and skier Joan Verdú's Mamba Bike Challenge team, the event starts outside Bici Lab with staggered departures every 30 seconds.

The route follows last year's path: a neutralised descent down Prat de la Creu from Bici Lab to the Tobira roundabout, where timing begins. The timed 1km to 1.3km course—averaging 10% gradient and 100-120m of positive elevation—covers Tobira street, the Quatre Camins junction, Ciutat de Valls, Mestre Xavier Plana and ends at Rec del Solà. It mixes asphalt and cobbled sections, testing technique and power.

A new €2 entry fee will support NGO Bicicletes Sense Fronteres, which uses bikes for mobility and integration in vulnerable African communities. Andorra la Vella's first consul major, Sergi González, noted the decision followed an exhibition by the group at Bici Lab. "We'll charge two euros for registration, but it goes to the NGO Bicicletes Sense Fronteres—people who held a temporary exhibition here and surprised us with all their work," he said.

Spots remain capped at 50-70 riders to encourage newcomers. Registrations via RockTheSport close July 23. Verdú described it as "short and explosive but with room for everyone," adding it's not meant to grow large but to draw first-time racers to a compact challenge.

Last year's debut attracted about 50 participants. The day includes a Bici Lab village with exhibitors, music, food and family activities, plus a street party at Plaça Lídia Armengol featuring live music, food trucks and awards.

The Mamba Bike Challenge follows on July 25-26, with nearly 100 entrants already, including strong uptake for the brutal 14,000m-elevation Xtrem route over the 6,000m option. Verdú announced extra aid stations and bike repair points this year. González, a past participant, praised the crowd energy despite the terrain's demands.