“We oppose using public money to pay riders’ doping fines”

Víctor de la Parte, technical director of the Andorran Cycling Federation (FAC), has had a distinguished professional career. He spent 15 years as a professional cyclist, competing in the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España. In 2026, he headed the Pro Cycling Stats Andorra project, created to give young Andorran cyclists international racing experience. Currently, the Andorran Cycling Federation has 21 cyclists competing across different age categories and disciplines, including road cycling, mountain biking and gravel. We spoke to Víctor about the current state of Andorran cycling, the future of young cyclists and Andorra’s role in international cycling, in a year marked by the Vuelta a España. What is the annual budget of the Andorran Cycling Federation for 2026? We receive around €75,000 the Government. We have a budget that covers races for everyone, as well as support for athletes who compete in championships and other competitions. The FAC published its licence fees for 2026: €25 for non-competitive and children’s licences, €60 for competitive licences, €148 for European licences, €219 for world licences, and €1,500 for male professionals and €880 for female professionals. Are the current licence fees sufficient to guarantee the Federation’s operations while also investing in grassroots cycling and elite athletes? The fees you mentioned are the current licence prices. In no case are licence fees sufficient to ensure the financial sustainability of any Federation. That is why we have a Board of Directors that works to attract sponsors, allowing us to have the budget we need to develop the different projects of the Federation. We also receive institutional support, which allows us to invest in grassroots development and promotion. All of this gives us the resources to implement the strategic plan approved by the Board. When competitions are organised in Andorra, anti-doping controls are carried out. Who covers the cost of these controls and any sanctions in the event of a positive test? The Andorran Sports Secretariat makes a major effort to ensure that everything is properly controlled. In this area, we have an independent body, the Andorran Anti-Doping Agency, which is responsible for carrying out the relevant controls. Anti-doping controls are mandatory at all competitions. However, if a rider tests positive, it is the Federation that has to pay the associated costs or fines. We do not agree that public money should be used to pay these fines. Looking ahead to next year, is the intention to maintain the current licence fees, or are you considering changing them? We generally intend to maintain them. At the same time, we want to coordinate with professional cyclists to reach an agreement that works best for everyone. What does Andorra need to ensure that young people who take up cycling can eventually become professional riders? We have everything we need. We have so many professional cyclists living here that young people see them every day. It is a question of culture. In the past, we had no professional cyclists, whereas now we have several road professionals. I believe that in a few years we will have many more young people, both boys and girls, involved in cycling. What role should the Federation play in helping these young cyclists progress and compete at the highest level? What we do is give them opportunities to compete, accompany them, teach them about the profession and, above all, give them the opportunity to race. Which Andorran riders do you currently see as having the greatest potential to make the step up to international competition? Right now, on the road, we have Adrià Regada and Gerard Mora, who are among the leading riders in the Federation. In mountain biking, we have Roger Turné, who is about to make the step up. We also have young riders such as Bernat Melcior, who is 14 years old and is one of the strongest riders in Catalonia. Where do you see greater international potential for Andorra – road cycling or mountain biking? We have more road cyclists, so it is easier to achieve international results. But we also have strong mountain bikers. What is currently the main challenge for cyclists training in Andorra? In both summer and winter, there is more traffic, so we all need to be more aware. Andorra is a very busy country, and the main challenge is traffic. Safety standards are very good, but the volume of traffic remains the main concern. How do you see the future of women’s cycling in Andorra? What could help increase girls’ participation in the sport? As Andorran girls see more women’s cycling, they will be encouraged to take up the sport themselves. Visibility is very important. If there were an opportunity for a stage of La Vuelta Femenina (Women’s Vuelta) to come to Andorra, it would be a very positive step towards giving greater visibility to women’s cycling and encouraging more girls to become involved. What role can schools play in promoting cycling among children? We have started a very positive programme aimed at younger children, particularly through cycling training and introductory courses. This year, we have already held several courses at the school in Ordino. I think it is very positive for children to be able to cycle to school and have the necessary infrastructure and safety to do so. From your experience as a professional cyclist, what does La Vuelta represent for you and for Andorran cycling? For me, it is my home race, so we experience it in a very special way. I was fortunate enough to compete in Andorra during the Tour de France, so I know what it means for a cyclist to race here. The stages are tough, but the fans are incredible and the atmosphere is very special. Being able to race on these roads, with the route closed to traffic and people cheering all along the way, is a real pleasure. The post “We oppose using public money to pay riders’ doping fines” first appeared on All PYRENEES.