Joan Verdú Launches Mamba Racing Team for Andorra's Young Skiers

Joan Verdú, Andorra's top alpine skier with the Andorran Ski Federation (FAE) and VAN DEER–Red Bull Sports, has launched the Mamba Racing Team to provide comprehensive support for emerging young talents in the country. The initiative kicks off this season by sponsoring two of the nation's leading under-16 racers: 15-year-old Marc Visa and 14-year-old Paula Ledesma, selected for their strong performances and significant potential.

Verdú, currently preparing in Reiteralm, Austria, for his next World Cup event in Adelboden, Switzerland, described the project as a way to build closer ties with grassroots skiing. He aims to offer more than financial backing, including shared training sessions when schedules allow, event participation, direct advice from veterans, and guidance on the broader demands of elite competition. "High-level skiing involves far more than technique—many surrounding details need attention," Verdú explained, emphasising how young athletes can learn from experienced racers across all facets of the sport. The effort also seeks to inspire participants, instill top-tier values, and potentially grow to include additional skiers in coming seasons.

The selected athletes expressed enthusiasm for the backing. Visa called it a unique chance to train alongside Andorra's best, adding that he plans to make the most of it to boost his progress. Ledesma described the support as an honour and added motivation, viewing Verdú as a major role model and looking forward to sharing experiences and gaining his insights.

Verdú has framed the Mamba Racing Team as a personal commitment to ensuring promising racers have every resource to advance their careers.