The global portfolio of premium mountain biking experiences by the Epic Series is growing. The Andorra MTB-Classic Pyrenees is an exclusive four-day mountain bike stage race, taking place from 30 June to 3 July in Andorra. The second Epic Series event on European soil will be part of the Andorra Multisport Festival, a unique multi-sport festival which will see five different races from March to July.

The mountains of Andorra have long been a magical place for mountain bikers, and now, it will extend its fame to a new sort of enjoyment: Stage racing in two-person teams. After the first Epic Series Legend race in Europe, the Swiss Epic in Graubünden, the newly introduced Andorra MTB-Classic Pyrenees is only the second event of the Series on the continent, and the first Classic race with four stages.

Starting in La Massana, riders will first take on a Prologue which features parts of Vallnord Bike Park – host of 7 UCI Mountain Bike World Cups. The Prologue promises to be an enjoyable start to the race, which allows amateurs to ride in the footsteps of the world’s best. Stage 1 will be a looped course around La Massana. Ominously, it features 1550 metres of climbing in the 42 kilometres which separate the start and finish. “The climbs will definitely make the legs work, but the mind-bogglingly beautiful views reward for all the sweat, stresses and strain,” explained Corina Feuerstein, Race Director of the Swiss Epic, after she had scouted the route in Andorra.

Stage 2 claims the honour of being the race’s Queen Stage. With 1950 metres of climbing in just 60 kilometres, it will be a real test for riders of all levels. The challenging climb up to the highest point of the race, at 2322 metres above sea level, is a standout feature of the stage. The climb promises to test riders but boasts several highlights on the way up, like the picture-perfect Pessons Lake. In true Epic Series fashion, what goes up must come down and the 2400 metres of descending will be nothing short of amazing, thanks to the fast-flowing singletracks in one of Europe’s best mountain biking playgrounds.

The final stage, Stage 3, will see riders covering 49 kilometres from Naturlandia to La Massana with a total of 1300 metres of climbing. The climb up the Planells de la Rabassa will take the rider’s breath away, but it will be worth the effort as they are rewarded with magnificent views of La Rabassa and the majestic Serra del Cadí mountain range. A short history lesson is then added to the mix as riders pedal through Spanish history by crossing a Spanish Civil War bunker. Stage 3’s 1600m of descending, ensures that the earlier efforts are well rewarded – a fact that Feuerstein eagerly confirmed: “Long climbs are often followed by even longer descents, making the riding experience one riders will remember for years to come.”

Since our Race Director Corina was in Andorra last year scouting the route, we have asked her a few questions about her time there and the race.

How is the riding experience in Andorra?
The riding experience is awesome and brings some mind-bogglingly views with it. The trails are varying a lot which makes every ride to a special sort of adventure. Mountain biking in Andorra is simply a pleasure and should be on everybody’s bucket list.

Do you think the Andorra MTB Classic-Pyrenees would be a good preparation race for the Swiss Epic in Graubünden and if so, why?
In my opinion, the race is the perfect preparation for the Swiss Epic – simply because the character of the stages and the trails are very similar to it. Nonetheless, the duration of the race and the different stages are shorter, and riders do not have to cover the same amount of kilometres and metres of climbing as at the Swiss Epic. Therefore, it is a great start to the season and a good way to get used to mountain biking on 2’000 metres above sea level in the Alps.

What did you like the most in Andorra and on what can riders look forward to?
Andorrans are very hospitable and combining the breathtakingly beautiful mountain landscapes with the fast-flowing trails is a match made in heaven. After a day in the saddle, there will be enough time to enjoy the evening with fellow mountain biking friends while having a glass of local wine or two and a delicious local meal. On a funny note, there are may no cows along the route like here in Switzerland but a lot of horses which is pretty cool.

Beyond doubt, two-person teams will enjoy four days in the saddle through one of Europe’s top mountain biking destinations. In addition to incredible riding, the race entry includes several additional amenities that make the race experience, in combination with the distinctive mountain biking fellowship and some of the region’s culinary delights, even better. For riders who want more there is further exciting news: As part of the Epic Series, five team entries for the 2023 Absa Cape Epic have been set aside exclusively for amateur teams who race the 2021 Andorra MTB Classic Pyrenees.

General registration for Andorra MTB Classic-Pyrenees is now open, and riders can register at www.andorraclassicmtb.com. Rider inquiries may be directed to info@andorraclassicmtb.com. For more information on the Epic Series brand and global event series, visit www.epic-series.com.