Bici Lab Andorra organizes the 1km uphill time trial as opener to Joan Verdú's Mamba Bike Challenge

The second edition of the Cronoescalada del Solà time trial will take place on Friday, July 24, at 7pm in Andorra la Vella, serving as the opening event for Joan Verdú's Mamba Bike Challenge. Organised by Bici Lab Andorra, the Comú d'Andorra la Vella and Verdú's team, the event features staggered starts every 30 seconds from outside Bici Lab.

Riders will follow a neutralised descent along Prat de la Creu to the Tobira roundabout, where the 1km to 1.3km timed section begins. The course, with an average 10% gradient and 100-120m of positive elevation, runs along Tobira street, the Quatre Camins junction, Ciutat de Valls, Mestre Xavier Plana and finishes at Rec del Solà. It combines asphalt and cobbled stretches, demanding both power and technique.

This year's key change is a €2 entry fee, with all proceeds going to NGO Bicicletes Sense Fronteres, which promotes bike-based mobility and integration for vulnerable people in Africa. Andorra la Vella's first consul major, Sergi González, said the initiative stemmed from the group's recent exhibition 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 explained.

Participation is limited to 50-70 riders to attract newcomers. Registrations via RockTheSport are open until July 23. Verdú called it "short and explosive but with room for everyone," emphasising its appeal for first-time racers rather than mass scale.

Last year's event drew around 50 participants. The day will feature a Bici Lab village with exhibitors, music, food and family activities, followed by a street party at Plaça Lídia Armengol with live music, food trucks and awards.

The Mamba Bike Challenge continues on July 25-26, with about 100 entrants already registered. Verdú highlighted stronger interest in the demanding 14,000m-elevation Xtrem route over the 6,000m option, and noted added aid stations and bike repair points this year. González, a former participant, commended the event's vibrant atmosphere.