Andorran skier Gina del Río scores career-best 13th in Davos World Cup opener

Andorran cross-country skier Gina del Río has launched the 2025/26 FIS Cross-Country World Cup season with career-best performances in Davos, Switzerland.

The 21-year-old finished 13th in the Sprint Free event after a tight qualification round settled by photo finish. She described the course as a major challenge, noting its relentless mix of climbs and descents that demanded constant effort.

Del Río also shone in the 10 km Free interval-start race, crossing the line as provisional leader before being overtaken by 11 competitors. This marked her strongest result yet in a World Cup distance event.

"I felt good in the sprint," she said. "The 10 km went really well for me." Despite initial nerves about racing there for the first time, she added: "I felt great, the skis were spot on. It's my best result so far and I'm thrilled."

Her previous top marks this season included 14th in the Sprint Free at Ruka, Finland, and 27th in a distance race in Trondheim, Norway. Del Río credited altitude training in Andorra for her edge in Davos. "When I go to sea level in Scandinavia, I have to adjust," she explained. "Here, I was right at my level."

The skier now eyes the Tour de Ski, running from December 28 to January 4. "I used to watch it with my family as a kid," she recalled. "I love it, especially the final climb." Though she has yet to complete the multi-stage event, Del Río is determined: "I'll give it everything and play my cards right."