Ice Gladiators Returns to Andorra Circuit with 16 Riders After Hiatus

The Ice Gladiators motorcycle racing series returns to the Andorra-Pas de la Casa circuit this Saturday with 16 confirmed riders, marking its comeback after a year's absence due to inadequate infrastructure for the planned 2025 edition.

The event runs independently of the GSeries format. It begins February 7 with training, qualifying, and races IG1 and IG2, all in the morning and subject to ice conditions. The second round follows on February 22 with IG3 and IG4, and organizers have set March 15 as a reserve date amid unpredictable weather, including a recent landslide that closed track access.

Initial reports listed a dozen riders, but the field has grown to 16, mixing experienced competitors and fresh faces. Key entrants include French champion Maxime Emery, victor in 2022 and 2024 and now living in Andorra; 2023 winner Marc Font, racing alongside brother Miquel, a consistent top-five finisher; and brothers Cristian and Xavi España. Andorran Enducross competitor Sara Miño makes her series debut as the second woman to join after Spain's Sandra Gómez.

Circuit director Àlex Bercianos highlighted the ongoing challenges with ice and weather, thanking organizers for scheduling over a weekend to accommodate mostly French riders. He expressed hope that the landslide would not interfere. Federació Motociclista d’Andorra president Natàlia Gallego detailed the two-day structure, while Andbank's Maria Suárez, director of Banca País, described it as "a unique competition combining bravery, skill, and passion" with strong national importance.

At the Andbank launch, Marc Font said riders had pushed for alternatives during the hiatus, calling it "a very fun experience" exclusive to Andorra's circuit and predicting success. He aims to fight for the lead. Miquel Font praised the organizational efforts and targets a top-five finish, noting that with only four scoring races, "every error counts." The series upholds Andorra's legacy in high-altitude ice racing, drawing competitors from the region and beyond.