Andorra cycling federation doubles pro license fee: angry riders protest

Many cyclists in the current peloton reside in Andorra. Partly due to the training opportunities, but also because residents pay less tax plays a role. However, behind the scenes, there is a power struggle between the riders and the Andorran cycling federation over... a doubling of the price for a pro license.

But what exactly is going on? The local newspaper Altaveu reports that the Andorran Cycling Federation FAC planned to introduce a deposit of 8,000 euros per rider to cover potential costs related to anti-doping investigations. However, this idea was rejected by the international cycling union (UCI), after which the federation decided to implement a different measure.

Extra money for doping tests
To cover the necessary doping costs, they decided to increase the price of a pro license from 750 to 1,500 euros. The federation saw itself forced to do so, as it has to cover the costs of doping tests itself. "We have to set money aside in case a doping investigation is opened," explains Carolina Poussier, president of the FAC.

This clearly rubbed the riders currently residing in the microstate the wrong way. Confronted with this situation, Carlos Verona and other cyclists living in Andorra called for obtaining their pro licenses outside the principality. This decision was then sharply criticized by Poussier. "As a resident of a country, you can at least support the cycling federation of that country."

Abuse of power
Verona, who rides for Lidl-Trek, however questions the 650 euro license increase. "We are co-financiers of the federation with more than 100 professional cyclists... We are an important part of it." Verona already warned in July about the plans to introduce a deposit. "This isn’t fair for young riders. 8,000 euros is not just something many people can pay."

Verona then heard about the doubling of the pro license fee through the press, much to his displeasure. He pointed out that many riders, faced with this price hike, have started applying for their pro licenses outside Andorra or are changing their existing licenses. "Last year there were 120 Andorran pro licenses... Now there are less than half. Doubling the price overnight is abuse of power."

Verona doesn't so much have a problem with the price increase itself, but with the communication and where the money is going. "It’s all very unclear. I’m ashamed and (looking at the cycling federation) I would have already quit long ago. I got my license in Spain to set boundaries for future generations coming to Andorra."