UCI Backs Andorra Cycling Federation in Licensing Dispute with Pro Riders
UCI reaffirms support for FAC's residency-based licensing rules, validating 2026 licences and resolving row with Andorran-resident professionals.
Key Points
- UCI validates all 2026 FAC licences; old CHF 7,500 doping deposit system continues until 2027.
- Over a dozen Andorran-resident pros now regularising local licences.
- Residency trumps origin or fiscal status for licensing sovereignty.
- Dispute arose from FAC fee hike to €1,500 and drop in licences from 120 to 50.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has reaffirmed its backing for the Andorran Cycling Federation (FAC) in the ongoing licensing row with professional cyclists based in the Principat, insisting that riders must register through their country of primary residence rather than their country of origin.
In a letter from UCI president David Lappartient, circulated to clubs and riders via the FAC, the governing body confirmed the validity of all 2026 licences issued by the federation. Riders who secured licences under the previous CHF 7,500 deposit system for doping liabilities can continue using it through the full 2026 season, with any new requirements applying only from 2027. The UCI review also pinpointed more than a dozen professionals living in Andorra who had yet to license locally; their cases are now under regularisation, which will increase the number of pro licences linked to the country.
The clarification followed a meeting at the European Cycling Union (UEC) Congress in France between Lappartient, FAC president Carolina Poussier, FAC vice-president Joan Turné, and UEC president Enrico Della Casa. The letter emphasised that federations hold sovereignty over their licensing rules and explicitly rejected tying residency to fiscal status, calling primary residence the more suitable criterion.
The dispute arose after the FAC raised fees from €750 to €1,500 and initially required the deposit, prompting backlash from riders including Trek-Lidl's Carlos Verona, an Andorran resident who had supported Poussier's election. Verona's open letter highlighted a drop in FAC licences from 120 the previous year to about 50, with fewer than half of local pros affiliated. He met with government officials such as Mònica Bonell and Alain Cabanes, but those talks yielded no agreement.
The FAC welcomed the UCI's stance, describing it as a positive step that clarifies the situation and supports stable development of cycling in Andorra. The ruling ends the immediate controversy, enforcing the residency rule moving forward.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources:
- Diari d'Andorra•
Qui viu aquí paga aquí
- Bon Dia•
L'UCI, de la mà de la federació
- El Periòdic•
L’UCI valida les llicències andorranes i confirma que els corredors s’han de federar al país de residència principal
- Diari d'Andorra•
L'UCI dona suport a la federació amb el cas de les llicències
- Altaveu•
L'UCI confirma que els ciclistes s'han de federar en el seu lloc de residència