A historic milestone in Pal Arinsal: Residents achieve a double victory in the 2026 MTB World Cup
The weekend of July 11th and 12th, 2026 will be etched in the history of mountain sports in the Pyrenees. The 11th edition of the Pal Arinsal MTB World Cup It closed its doors having cemented its status as an unprecedented organizational success, surpassing previous years' attendance figures and reaffirming the passion of a devoted public. However, what truly ignited euphoria in the Principality was the stellar performance of local athletes. Two of the weekend's biggest names, Adrien Boichis and Jenny Rissveds, not only competed at the highest level, but they did so literally running in the mountains they call home.
In the Elite Men's Olympic Cross-country (XCO) category, the young Frenchman, just 23 years old and a brand-new Andorran resident, Adrien BoichisHe secured a spectacular victory. After an intense head-to-head battle with his compatriot Mathis Azzaro, Boichis launched a devastating attack with two laps to go, leaving his rivals with no chance. He completed the eight laps of the demanding circuit in a time of 1 hour, 14 minutes, and 48 seconds, allowing him to significantly close the gap on the leader of the WHOOP UCI MTB World Series overall standings.
Meanwhile, the women's category undisputedly crowned the Swedish resident. Jenny Rissveds Andorra It has become her absolute talisman. Rissveds completed a legendary weekend by achieving an unprecedented double on the national circuit: victory in both the Short Track (XCC) on Friday and the Olympic Cross-country (XCO) on Sunday. The reigning world champion demonstrated impeccable form, riding solo for almost the entire race to cross the finish line in 1h 18' 47''. With this result, she is well on her way to the overall world title.
The icing on the cake for the country was the official confirmation of the agreement between Pal Arinsal and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports. La Massana will remain part of the UCI World Cup calendar for at least three more years, ensuring that the spectacle of mountain biking continues to be centered in the valleys of Andorra.
Why do professional cyclists choose Andorra to live and train?
If you've ever driven on Andorran roads in late spring or during the summer, you'll have noticed that it's almost impossible not to come across groups of cyclists equipped with state-of-the-art bikes. professional cyclists in Andorra They are no longer an exception or a small group; they have become part of the country's social and sporting fabric. But what is it about this little corner of the Pyrenees that attracts MTB world champions, Tour de France winners, and Olympic medalists?
First and foremost, Andorra is a veritable natural playground for road and mountain biking. The country's geography boasts 21 first-category mountain passes and an endless network of technical dirt and forest trails. Parishes such as La Massana They have fully embraced this discipline, offering world-class infrastructure, among which the renowned Pal Arinsal bike park stands out.
In addition to the physical environment, athletes greatly value the living conditions offered by the Principality:
- Exceptional road safety: Drivers in Andorra are very accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists. Traffic laws are extremely strict regarding safe following distances and respect for cyclists.
- Peace and privacy: Unlike other overcrowded destinations, here athletes can stroll, train and relax without the burden of constant media pressure.
- Active sports community: With such a high concentration of professionals, cyclists can share daily training sessions with teammates of a similar level, which raises the performance of the group.
The key factor: Altitude training in Andorra
Any elite physical trainer will tell you that talent and discipline are fundamental, but physiology dictates the limits. This is where the Principality's great open secret comes into play: altitude training Andorra It offers the ideal geographical conditions to carry out this preparation strategy without having to travel to remote high-performance centers.
The average altitude of habitable urban centers in Andorra ranges between 1,000 and 2,000 meters above sea level. This allows for the application of the well-known scientific methodology known as "Live High, Train High" (Live up high, train up high) or descend slightly to lower valleys to perform high-intensity workouts ("Live High, Train Low").
When a cyclist lives and trains at these altitudes, their body undergoes very powerful physiological adaptations:
- Increased erythropoietin (natural EPO): The lower oxygen pressure in the air stimulates the kidneys to produce more EPO, which in turn increases the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream.
- Improved oxygen transport: With more red blood cells, the body is able to transport oxygen much more efficiently to the active muscles, which dramatically improves aerobic endurance when the athlete returns to competition at sea level.
- Competitive acclimatization: As Adrien Boichis pointed out after his victory: "Being able to win here, on such a demanding circuit due to the altitude, is very special."Cyclists who train daily at these altitudes do not suffer the dreaded "blockage" due to lack of air in races held in high mountains.
Living in Andorra: Jenny Rissveds's testimony and the change in performance
Sporting success isn't just a matter of power watts or lung capacity; the mental and emotional aspects play a crucial role. The firsthand account of the Swedish champion... Jenny Rissveds Andorra It perfectly exemplifies how a change of residence to the Principality can transform the career path of an elite athlete.
After crossing the finish line and completing his historic double in the Pal Arinsal MTB World CupRissveds was visibly excited and happy: «Me siento muy bien. Es increíble correr en casa… Creo que estoy en un muy buen momento personal. El año pasado hice grandes cambios: vine a vivir aquí, cambié de entrenador y tengo mucho soporte a casa. Estoy disfrutando mucho de todo el proceso y creo que eso también me hace ir más rápida».
Rissveds' words perfectly encapsulate the hidden benefits of settling in the country. Finding a place that not only offers the right infrastructure but also provides emotional stability, peace of mind, and a strong sense of community is crucial. In Andorra, athletes find a respectful community of neighbors who fully understand their rest, nutrition, and training routines, eliminating any unnecessary stress that could hinder their daily performance.
How to obtain residency in Andorra for elite athletes
The Principality is fully aware of the value these internationally renowned figures bring to the country, not only as ambassadors for the Andorra brand worldwide, but also by boosting the local economy and promoting grassroots sports (as seen with the young Andorran Roger Turné in the U23 category). Therefore, Andorran law provides a specific pathway for them.
The most common and attractive option is the residence for athletes in AndorraThis type of authorization falls under the category of passive residence permits or permits for scientific, cultural, or sporting reasons. It is intended for individuals who do not work in the local market but rather operate and earn their income internationally.
The main requirements to access this type of residence usually include:
- Accreditation of elite athlete status: It is necessary to present a solid sports resume, endorsed by international federations, titles obtained, participation in official competitions or current sponsorship contracts.
- Proof of financial solvency: Demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to reside comfortably in the country without needing to work for local companies.
- Establish effective residence: The athlete must commit to residing effectively in Andorran territory for a minimum of 90 days per year.
- Security deposit: Make a financial deposit (bond) with the official financial body of the State (AFA), which is returned if the athlete decides to leave the country legally.
- Guaranteed medical coverage: Have a private health insurance policy with full coverage in the Principality of Andorra.
In addition to the undeniable quality of the training and lifestyle, the professional cyclists in Andorra They benefit from a highly competitive tax framework. With a maximum personal income tax rate of 101% and a general indirect tax (IGI, the equivalent of VAT) set at a general rate of 4.51%, athletes can optimize their sponsorship and prize income legally, transparently, and very advantageously compared to other European Union countries.
