Pal Arinsal to Host UCI Mountain Bike World Cup for 11th Straight Year, July 9-12

**Pal Arinsal Hosts UCI Mountain Bike World Cup for 11th Time, July 9-12**

Pal Arinsal will host the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup for the 11th consecutive year from July 9 to 12 as part of the WHOOP UCI MTB World Series, bringing together elite riders in cross-country Olympic (XCO), short track (XCC) and downhill (DHI) events. Organisers presented the event on Thursday at the ABBA Suites Xalet Hotel in La Massana, with officials including Head of Government Xavier Espot, La Massana Cònsol Major Eva Sansa, Federació Andorrana de Ciclisme technical director Víctor de la Parte and event director general David Hidalgo.

Espot described the World Cup as far more than an elite sporting event, framing it as a showcase of Andorra's focus on high-quality tourism, nature preservation and professional organisation. Sansa added that mountain biking "defines us," positioning La Massana as a hub for elite athletes, amateurs, sports, tourism and media attention.

Local rider Roger Turné will be Andorra's only entrant in XCO. Recovering from a late crash that forced his withdrawal last year, he placed 37th at the season-opening Mona Yongpyong World Cup in South Korea. His goal: finishing the full distance on the 3.8km circuit, a milestone no Pyrenean rider has achieved. De la Parte explained the federation's emphasis on building a strong base to produce quality riders rather than fielding underprepared competitors at this high level.

The schedule starts Thursday with training sessions. Friday brings XCC finals on a 1.1km circuit for the top 30 ranked riders and DHI qualifications. Saturday features DHI finals on the 1.8km Fontanals track from Pic del Cubil, followed by XCO on Sunday.

Enhancements aim to boost the spectator experience, including a Formula 1-style paddock arrival zone closer to crowds, relocated technical and feed zones, a podium moved into the public area, additional giant screens at Caubella and real-time cameras tracking mobility flows and crowd mood. Hidalgo targets 5,000-6,000 on-site visitors staying longer through the Bike Festival's live music, batucadas, family activities and partial Bike Park opening from July 8 with reduced rates. Warner Bros. Discovery will join directly in event animation.

Access relies on the Massana telecabina, with shuttle buses between La Massana, Caubella and Fontanals, bike parking and sustainability initiatives alongside Bicicletes Sense Fronteres. Weather will influence turnout, but organisers prioritise smooth arrivals, comfort and orderly exits in the terrain.

Last year's edition drew 653 athletes from 42 nations, coverage in 358 outlets across 48 countries, eight million viewers and €7.6 million in economic impact. Hidalgo anticipates matching or exceeding those figures, with broader broadcast reach.

The event is set to continue for three more years under an agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery nearing completion, though world championships remain off the table. Tickets are on sale.