Andorra Doubles Cycling Licence Fee to €1,500 for Anti-Doping Costs

The Andorran Cycling Federation (FAC) and government officials have defended the decision to double the professional cycling licence fee to €1,500, framing it as a safeguard against the high costs of anti-doping cases in a country with more than 100 resident elite cyclists.

In a statement responding to criticism, the FAC detailed the process: after consulting the State Sports Secretariat and securing assembly approval, it first introduced a refundable deposit. This allowed many professionals to regularise their status. However, the International Cycling Union (UCI) rejected the model as inconsistent with practices elsewhere. Subsequent meetings, involving government representatives, led to the fee increase from €750, with part of the revenue directed to a specific anti-doping fund. The federation stressed that such proceedings can cost €10,000 to €15,000 each under UCI rules, posing a real threat to its modest budget and funding for grassroots cycling.

The FAC noted that most resident professionals have accepted the change, with many renewing licences without issue despite the broad and diverse cyclist community. It addressed pointed criticism from Spanish rider Carlos Verona, who targeted federation president Carolina Poussier, by emphasising that decisions were collective and coordinated with sports institutions and the government. The federation called for avoiding personal attacks and reaffirmed its openness to all resident professionals, while committing to the sport's sustainability and base-level growth.

Culture and Sports Minister Mònica Bonell met Verona after his open letter on social media expressing frustration over the licences and deposits. She gently rebuked him for going public without first contacting the ministry, though she acknowledged his right to voice concerns. The meeting aimed to bridge positions between Verona and the FAC. Bonell described the dispute as resolved, with a UCI-aligned solution in place to cover doping-related expenses that the federation cannot shoulder from its subsidies. Andorra now expects a gradual return to normalcy as professionals renew licences under the updated system.