Andona Racing Secures Podiums in Catalan Cup MTB Rounds

Andorra's Andona Racing team claimed podium finishes in the Catalan Cup mountain bike rounds at La Garriga and Granollers over the weekend, with cadet rider Valeria Piñol taking second place on Saturday and winning on Sunday to reclaim the overall lead in her category.

Piñol's strong performances have solidified her position among the leaders in the Spanish Cup, where she sits in the top four, according to Andona president Xary Rodríguez. "Valeria has demonstrated a very high level all season," Rodríguez said, adding that the rider has drawn interest from other teams due to her exceptional potential.

In the under-23 category, Nora Sales improved her standing during the event, with teammates Daianne Mourais, Ona Ferrando, and Aura Montaña also competing. Meanwhile, the team took part in the three-stage Vuelta a Gipuzkoa, where Andrea Soldevila placed sixth overall, Raquel Balboa 14th, and Isis Baraldés 15th.

Rodríguez stressed that Andona's project prioritizes long-term development over isolated results. Launched four years ago with elite riders, the team now features promotion categories for both girls and boys from pre-benjamin to cadet levels. About 70% of its riders are Andorran, with most of the rest from Catalonia. Younger athletes begin with adapted gymkhanas and circuits before progressing to competitive cadet racing, where boys and girls compete separately.

Training remains challenging due to Andorra's terrain and frequent afternoon storms, but Rodríguez noted steady progress in fostering a cycling culture among youth. "Our greatest pride is not a rider's position, but their evolution within the group and the values they bring both on and off the bike," she said.

Moving forward, Andona plans to broaden its youth base, support Piñol's bid for top finishes in the Spanish Cup, and build competitiveness among its under-23 and elite riders in national competitions.