Andorran Cycling Federation Unveils 22-Rider National Team for 2026 with Andbank Sponsorship

The Andorran Cycling Federation (FAC) has unveiled its national team for the 2026 season, expanding to 22 riders divided into Pro, High Performance, Consolidation, and Initiation/Progression categories. The announcement coincides with a new sponsorship agreement from Andbank, providing essential funding for training, equipment, and international competition. Key riders include Adrià Regada, Gerard Mora, Oriol Pi, Òscar Cabanas, Roger Turné, and Xavi Jové, joined by emerging talents such as Enzo Fuentes, Naima Perissé, Martí Riera, Lorelei Torres, Raquel Balboa, Anna Albalat, Arnau Postigo, Roger Delgado, Bernat Melsió, Eric Sinfreu, Miquel Naudi, Quim Llort, Joel Chapela, Andreu Riera, and Daianne.

FAC president Carolina Poussier emphasized long-term youth investment, noting that cycling yields results only after five to ten years of consistent support. The Andbank deal enables structured programs, marking a step toward professionalization. Sports director Víctor de la Parte, in his first year, advocated a measured approach: starting with Catalan Cups to build confidence and enjoyment before major events. He highlighted Regada's trajectory toward a potential pro contract and the positive influence of Andorra's resident professionals.

The season calendar spans cross-country (XCO), cross-country marathon (XCM), road, and gravel, targeting events like the Pal Arinsal Mountain Bike World Cup, Spanish Supercup and French Cup in XCO, Naturland World Cup and Sea Otter Girona-Costa Brava in XCM, plus European and world championships, Spanish and European titles, and Catalan Cups. Budget limits exclude the gravel world championships in Australia. A priority is reviving the Andorran Road Cycling Championship in June, in partnership with the Catalan Cycling Federation to share costs, mirroring last year's mountain bike nationals. Poussier said such events boost Andorra's standing with the UCI and European bodies.

Poussier addressed federation remuneration talks with the State Secretariat, framing them as part of wider sports reforms. She described the matter as non-urgent but ongoing across federations, to be resolved legally.

A separate licensing dispute with professionals, including Carlos Verona, is nearing resolution. Initial FAC proposals for an €8,000 anti-doping deposit per pro license were rejected by the UCI, prompting a fee increase from about €750 to €1,500 to create reserves and shield public funds amid over 100 resident pros. License numbers fell from more than 120 last year to under half early this season, with the UCI granting temporary nationality-based licensing. Now, with government and UCI mediation, professionals must return to Andorran licenses in coming weeks; 70 are active, with projections to hit 120. Inter-federation deals will adjust fee differences. Poussier defended the changes as UCI-compliant, akin to Monaco, to protect youth initiatives. Verona criticized the process for poor communication, learning of updates via media, but recent developments point to normalization.

New kits debut next season as the FAC seeks to restore national championships, develop grassroots talent, and raise Andorra's international profile.