Andorra, alongside the nearby Spanish city of Giro, are possibly the most densely populated areas in the world by pro cyclists; the European micro-state is known for it's calm roads, high altitude and plentitude of climbs everywhere that makes it an ideal training ground for those who like to perform uphill. Some even create their own cycling-related businesses within Andorra, and now the nation is finally having it's own race.
"In 2015, when I arrived here, the cyclists were Purito, Florencio, Rojas... little else. Today, there are more than 120 of us, and every summer there are more cyclists, all the passes are signposted, there are mobility campaigns for coexistence with the cyclist," Verona says of Andorra, arguing it was an obvious destination for the creation of a pro event.
"Finally the project sees the light. We have to thank the Route d'Occitanie, that we will also have their technical support. They have advanced one day their race, which is usually from Thursday to Sunday and in 2025 will be from Wednesday to Saturday, to leave Sunday free. The route is drawn while waiting to close it, and will be approximately 145 km with 4,300 meters of elevation gain, passing through the seven parishes".
It will naturally be a race for the climbers and with so many residing in the area, the race should attract big names from many teams. "My role is that of promoter, ambassador, after 14 years in professional cycling. It has not been easy, but I feel it is something fun and enriching," he admits. "The start will be in Andorra La Vella and the finish in La Massana. After the visits of the Tour, the Vuelta... Andorra will have more cycling. Andorra will have more cycling. Will I take part in the race? We will see the decision of my team, Lidl-Trek, but obviously I would like to. It will be one of the teams we will talk to, as well as Movistar, the Spanish ones."
