Andorran Cycling Federation Secures Andbank Deal Amid Licence Dispute Progress

### Andorran Cycling Federation Signs Andbank Deal as Licence Dispute Progresses

The Andorran Cycling Federation (FAC) has secured a partnership with Andbank to fund professionalisation efforts, including better training and competition support for its teams. FAC president Carolina Poussier highlighted the focus on young athletes as a core priority since her November 2024 election. The federation announced a 22-athlete roster spanning road, cross-country and gravel disciplines, featuring riders such as Adrià Regada, Anna Albalat, Raquel Balboa, Oriol Pi, Roger Turné, Òscar Cabanas and Xavi Jové. Plans include bidding for a UCI Mountain Bike World Cup at Pal Arinsal and relaunching the Andorran Road Cycling Championship, with new kits set for the season ahead.

Poussier also noted that director salary proposals remain under sports ministry review, following assembly approval and government rejection. She welcomed ongoing talks and pledged cooperation with officials.

A lingering dispute over professional licences with resident pros has advanced through mediation. Initially, the FAC proposed swapping a 7,500 CHF bank guarantee for an 8,000 euro deposit to cover potential doping costs, drawing criticism from riders over its burden on modest earners. This led to licences plummeting from over 120 to about 50. The UCI allowed temporary home-country licensing, but that period is ending, requiring residence-based renewals.

The updated solution raises the 2026 professional fee to roughly 1,500 euros—800 euros above prior levels—with proceeds building a dedicated anti-doping reserve, in line with international norms. Around 70 licences are now active, with projections to hit 120 post-regularisation.

Pro cyclist Carlos Verona, a Lidl-Trek rider and Andorran resident, voiced concerns in an open letter about communication lapses and unmet transparency promises after backing Poussier's campaign. He met recently with Sports Secretary Alain Cabanes and Minister Mònica Bonell, recognising the federation's financial vulnerabilities given Andorra's high pro cyclist density.

Yesterday, Cabanes held further talks with Verona to bridge divides. He conceded communication with the federation could have improved and defended shifting from bank guarantees, which often vanished if riders departed Andorra—expedients can arise up to three years later. The UCI-endorsed fund safeguards grassroots funding amid rising global sanctions.

In a statement, the FAC affirmed that most resident pros have accepted the fee hike, having regularised smoothly after discussions. It stressed all steps—from the deposit proposal, approved in assembly and with ministry input, to the current model—aim to shield its limited resources from doping expenses in a nation hosting over 100 pros. The initial deposit gained traction among many before UCI rejection for lacking precedents elsewhere. The federation invited all pros to join, reiterated decisions stemmed from collective bodies and government coordination, and urged avoiding personal attacks on Poussier. It committed to federation sustainability and base-level growth.