Joan Verdú Returns from Five-Week Ski Training Camp in New Zealand

Joan Verdú and his team have completed a five-week preseason training camp in New Zealand and are returning to Andorra ahead of the World Cup opener in Sölden, Austria, on October 25.

The Andorran alpine skier, backed by the Andorran Ski Federation (FAE) and led by technician Natko Zrncic Dim, started the expedition on August 11 in collaboration with Norway's World Cup team. Training began at Roundhill with free skiing, giant slalom, and super-G sessions, progressing to groomed courses. The group then shifted to Ohau for race-specific drills before concluding at Coronet Peak with shorter, more technical runs.

Verdú called the camp "long and intense, but with good volume," highlighting its value in accumulating workload across varied terrain. He returns feeling strong, with no back or knee problems or other disruptions, poised for final preparations at home.

The FAE views the block as a key step in enhancing endurance, leaving Verdú in top shape for the season's first giant slalom. He described an overall "very positive balance and great feeling" entering the competition.