Alex Buitrago and Ainhoa Torres Win Mamba Challenge in Stormy Andorra
In the extreme ultra-distance cycling event organized by Joan Verdú, victors conquered Andorra's every mountain pass despite brutal rain and hail, highlighting the principality's appeal to tough endurance riders.
Key Points
- Alex Buitrago won men's category; Ainhoa Torres won women's at third Mamba Challenge.
- 430km flagship route featured 14,000m vertical gain across all Andorra mountain passes.
- Event faced relentless rain and hail; Friday time trial won by Anna Albalat and Miquel Naudi.
- Organized by Joan Verdú to showcase Andorra's rugged terrain for endurance cyclists.
Alex Buitrago and Ainhoa Torres took first place in the men's and women's categories at the third Mamba Challenge, an extreme ultra-distance cycling event held in Andorra on Sunday.
Organized by alpine skier Joan Verdú of the Andorran Ski Federation, the challenge requires competitors to conquer every mountain pass in the principality. The flagship route covered 430km with 14,000 metres of vertical gain, pushing riders to their limits amid stormy weather conditions.
The main event unfolded under relentless rain and hail, yet Buitrago, 19, and Torres prevailed in their respective fields. The Friday time trial ascent at Solà went to Anna Albalat and Miquel Naudi.
Created by Verdú, the competition highlights Andorra's rugged terrain as a magnet for endurance cyclists, with participants demonstrating remarkable grit against the elements.
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