Andorran Cycling Federation Signs Andbank Deal Amid Licence Dispute Resolution

### Andorran Cycling Federation Signs Andbank Deal Amid Professional Licence Dispute Resolution

The Andorran Cycling Federation (FAC) has launched a new phase aimed at professionalising its operations, bolstered by a collaboration agreement with Andbank. The partnership will provide additional funding to enhance training and competition readiness for its teams. FAC president Carolina Poussier emphasised that cycling demands long-term commitment, stating the federation is pleased with progress in developing young athletes—a key goal of her mandate since taking office in November 2024. "Cycling is a long-term sport and we will have to start pedalling this year," she said.

The federation unveiled a roster of 22 athletes across four disciplines, including standout road cyclists Adrià Regada, Anna Albalat and Raquel Balboa; cross-country riders Oriol Pi and Roger Turné; and gravel specialists Òscar Cabanas and Xavi Jové. Key targets include hosting a UCI Mountain Bike World Cup at Pal Arinsal and reviving the Andorran Road Cycling Championship. Teams will debut new kits for the upcoming season.

Poussier also addressed ongoing debates over director salaries, noting the sports ministry has the issue under review alongside other federations. The FAC assembly had approved compensation for some roles, but the government rejected it; she expressed satisfaction that discussions are advancing and affirmed intentions to collaborate with authorities.

In parallel, a months-long dispute over professional licences between the FAC and resident pros has reached resolution, with government and UCI mediation. The conflict stemmed from the FAC's proposal to replace a 7,500 CHF bank guarantee—intended to cover doping case costs—with an 8,000 euro deposit. Pros criticised the move as burdensome, especially for young riders on modest salaries, leading to a sharp drop in Andorran licences from over 120 to around 50 early in the season.

The UCI granted a temporary exception allowing pros to licence in their home countries, but this ends soon. Licences must return to the country of residence per regulations. The 2026 professional fee rises to about 1,500 euros—800 euros more than before—with the increase funding a dedicated reserve for disciplinary proceedings, aligning Andorra with global standards. Currently, 70 professional licences are active, with expectations to reach 120 after regularisation in coming weeks. Adjustments will handle payments, including refunds or transfers between federations.

Spanish pro Carlos Verona, a long-time Andorran resident with Lidl-Trek, detailed his frustrations in an open letter. Initially supportive of Poussier's campaign and proposing closer ties with pros, he decried poor communication—learning of the deposit via media—and lack of follow-through on transparency pledges. Verona denied UCI complaints, noting widespread concerns prompted the temporary measure. He met with Sports Secretary Alain Cabanes and Minister Mònica Bonell, acknowledging financial risks for the small federation amid Andorra's high concentration of pros, but urged alternatives like instalments.

Cabanes confirmed a recent meeting with Verona improved dialogue, admitting communication could have been better. He explained prior guarantees often proved unenforceable if riders left Andorra, justifying the UCI-backed fund. With over 100 pros resident, the system protects grassroots funding from doping sanctions, which are rising internationally.

Poussier's tenure has seen prior controversies, including favouritism claims and salary proposals, but the federation eyes stability as the season progresses.