Preview Trofeo Andratx 2026 - Remco Evenepoel the man to beat at Mallorca's toughest race

The fourth round of the Challenge Mallorca is the Trofeo Andratx - Pollença, which is going to be taking place on the 31st of January this year, estimated to start at 12:20CET and finish at 16:05CET. We preview the race ahead.

First held in 1997, the Trofeo Pollença has challenged riders with a demanding route often featuring rugged climbs like the iconic Mirador d’Es Colomerand the scenic areas of the Mallorca island's mountain chain. Over more than two decades, it’s built a reputation as a season-opener where climbing prowess, tactical nous, and courage on technical terrain are rewarded.

The palmarès of the Trofeo Andratx reads like a who’s who of classics-capable riders. Spanish stars have featured prominently, with riders such as Pelayo Sánchez taking victory in 2024 and adding his name to a list that includes legends like Alejandro Valverde (2022) and Marc Soler (2020). Belgian climber Kobe Goossens was the winner in 2023, while other notable victors include Oscár Freire and even Mario Cipollini. The race does not have a defending champion as poor weather conditions forced a cancelation mid-race 12 months ago.

Perhaps the most difficult out of all the one-day races this year in the island, the riders start off from Andratx and take on many kilometers in rolling roads. However this time around, the peloton will take on the 14-kilometer long Puig Major from it's toughest side, averaging 6% and ending with 48 kilometers to go. With mostly downhill roads into the finish, we should see attacks here.

However, the race can just be selective there, and the win to be discussed in the final ascent to the Mirador d'es Collomer, as the climb coincides with the finish line and is 3.3 kilometers long at 5.9%. Again, the climbers and puncheurs both stand chances, and it will make for an interesting race where a lot of different scenarios can lead to the victory.

*** Remco Evenepoel
** António Morgado, Christian Scaroni,
* Iván Romeo, Diego Pescador, Maxim van Gils, Georg Steinhauser, Johannes Kulset, Clément Champoussin, Samuel Fernández, Mathys Rondel, Lorenzo Rota, Marc Hirschi

Pick: Remco Evenepoel

How: Solo attack from far