Andorra announces its largest-ever Olympic delegation of seven skiers for Milano-Cortina 2026, surpassing

**Andorra Sets Winter Olympics Record with Seven Athletes**

Andorra will send its largest-ever delegation to the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, with seven athletes confirmed for the February 6-22 event—five alpine skiers and two cross-country skiers—surpassing previous highs of six from Lillehammer 1994, Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014.

The alpine team includes Joan Verdú as the leading male skier, alongside confirmed women Cande Moreno, Carla Mijares and Jordina Caminal. The second male spot remains undecided between Bartumeu Gabriel and Xavier Cornella, with a final choice due by January 26 after their ongoing competitions in South Korea, including slaloms at Yongpyong and Alpensia. Cross-country representatives are Irineu Esteve and Gina del Rio, though Esteve's participation is uncertain due to recent health issues and training disruptions following his withdrawal from the Tour de Ski. He has stated he will only compete if capable of challenging for a top-30 finish, potentially skipping early events.

Roger Vidosa, FAE alpine sports director, praised the squad's strength, noting two women with World Cup points, one with a fourth-place European Cup result, and Verdú's elite giant slalom standing. Cande Moreno, targeting downhill, super-G and team alpine combined, aims for a top-15 finish while managing pressure. Debutante Jordina Caminal, selected for speed events and possibly combined, described learning of her spot as an emotional milestone. Carla Mijares will race slalom and team combined.

Xavier Espot, Andorran Olympic Committee president, called the seven-athlete lineup "extraordinary for a small country," urging realistic ambitions. Sports Minister Mònica Bonell advised the team to "flow and show why you're athletes at an Olympic event." Secretary of State for Sports Alain Cabanes highlighted the strong female representation and FAE efforts.

The announcement came at a press conference hosted by Andbank. Verdú recently resumed training after a fall, while team members continue European Cup races.

**34th Trofeu Borrufa Set for January 26-29 at Ordino Arcalís**

Ordino Arcalís will host the 34th Trofeu Borrufa from January 26-29, drawing around 250 under-16 alpine skiers from up to 30 countries, including newcomers Iran, Azerbaijan and Bulgaria, as well as returning Finland and Iceland. Other participants hail from Europe, the Americas, Asia and Oceania, such as France, Spain, Italy, UK, Argentina, Chile, Australia, South Korea, Lebanon, New Zealand, Monaco and more.

Andorra fields its largest contingent of 59 athletes across three teams: 10 in Team A, 10 in Team B, and the rest from the FAE development programme. FAE manager Carles Visa stressed the inclusive selection process, giving all development athletes a chance at international competition at home, with goals to match or exceed last year's 14 medals and Team A victory. He noted that improving on prior results would signal a strong base for Andorran skiing.

The schedule features U16 slalom and U14 giant slalom on January 26-27 at Portella del Mig and Canals pistes. Super-G returns on January 28-29 at Portella del Mig, made possible by snow depths up to three metres and new snow cannons at Pla de les Pedres. A night National Team Event highlights Wednesday evening. New features include full-race filming for competitors as a technical review tool and a "hot seat" for leading times.

Ordino Cònsol Major Maria del Mar Coma described the event as far more than sport, often marking young athletes' international debuts while linking to local biosphere values and community life. Cabanes pointed to past podiums by current Olympians, showing clear progression, and praised its ties to Ordino, where participants gain a positive impression and Andorran skiers act as ambassadors. Station director Israel Ramonet called it a "supergiant" edition and popular tradition, weather permitting.

A presentation at MoraBanc drew officials, with off-piste activities including an Ordino parade, delegations' dinner and closing party.

**Pal Arinsal Hosts 15th Comapedrosa Andorra World Cup Ski Mountaineering**

Separately, Pal Arinsal hosts the 15th Comapedrosa Andorra, part of the ISMF World Cup ski mountaineering circuit, this weekend. Excellent snow conditions from recent falls—up to 140cm in places—support the events ahead of the discipline's Olympic debut in Milano-Cortina.

Sunday's Vertical Race starts at Les Marrades piste with a 690-metre climb to the base of Pic de la Capa, drawing 90 competitors (34 women, 56 men) from 20 countries. Monday's Sprint Race features 108 athletes (42 women, 66 men). Andorran entrants include Max Palmitjavila, Marc Casanovas, Oriol Olm and Lea Ancion, alongside stars like medal hopeful Oriol Cardona, Maria Costa and Ot Ferrer.

Live coverage returns on Eurosport, RTVE, 3CAT, Olympic Channel and RTVA. Spectators can buy special lift passes for competition zones.