Andorran Skier Íria Medina Set for World Cup Debut in Sölden Giant Slalom

Andorran skier Íria Medina will make her FIS World Cup debut in the giant slalom at Sölden, Austria, on October 24 and 25, joining Joan Verdú to give the Andorran Ski Federation (FAE) dual representation.

Medina qualified by entering the world giant slalom top 100, reaching 90th place with 26.06 FIS points. Her selection stemmed from a strong South American preseason, where she took second in the South American Cup (SAC) giant slalom standings—two points behind Argentina's Francesca Baruzzi. She earned three podiums in six races, with one victory and two third places, plus a personal-best FIS score of 18.74 points.

The FAE women's team leader Xoque Bellsolà called the debut a fitting reward for Medina's progress, even after narrowly missing the SAC title. "We had planned it if she won, but her near-miss and final-race victory made it the right moment," Bellsolà said. She noted that Europa Cup consolidation remains the priority, with the World Cup outing aiding preparation for Andorra's home races in Soldeu on March 6 (giant slalom) and March 7 (slalom, with Carla Mijares).

Alpine director Roger Vidosa highlighted Medina's improved competitiveness against top rivals. "She has significantly raised her skiing level and could be competitive there," he said. Medina returns soon from Chile with Clàudia Garcia and Cande Moreno for final tuning.

Medina herself voiced enthusiasm for measuring up against the elite, while viewing the event as a learning opportunity. "I'm thrilled to debut on this circuit and start comparing myself with the best," she said.

Meanwhile, Maià Font placed 11th in the Corralco SAC downhill at 1:08.00—2.47 seconds behind Hungary's Attila Banyai—securing 24 SAC points. He sat out the second run after the 19th-fastest training time and faces a Chilean national downhill, two SAC super-Gs, and another FIS super-G next.