Rally Cycling and The Lodge at Ribasol have today announced a partnership for the 2022 season. The team will use the Andorran lodge as a base when altitude training in an area that has become famous for its abundance of Pyrenean mountain climbs and thin-mountain air.

The lodge promises “extraordinary service” and supplies their guests with all the modern amenities they need to make their stay comfortable. With a professionally equipped gym, private storage, fully equipped kitchen, espresso machine and bike repair station, it is easy to see why the partnership was such an easy decision for the team. 

Men’s team director Patrick McCarty is not only at the races with the riders but he also supports them during training.

“It’s a great partnership and for us it’s critical that we have something like this for our riders during the year,” said McCarty. “It’s an essential partnership and we couldn’t be happier to have this resource at hand.”

The convenience of the lodge was also a big selling point. It is only a shave over 200km away from the rider’s main European base in Girona which means that the team can drive to Andorra in less than three hours. 

Lodge at Ribasol owner Blaine Pollock said, “Working with Rally Cycling is an ideal fit for us. We share a long-standing relationship with UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation which includes sponsorship of their Velo and Vines ride. We look forward to supporting the team going forward.”

Pollock also explained explained why the principality has grown in popularity for training camps. “Andorra is a mecca for cycling having hosted the World Mountain Bike Championships and the Tour de France. The quality of riding is reflected in these events and the endless mountainous terrain.” 

Rob Britton is well used to training in Andorra. The Canadian recently showcased the amount of incredible climbing on offer in the principality by completing the Andorra 7 Summits Challenge. 

“It’s exciting to have the lodge partnering with the team next year,” said Britton. “Climbing and altitude training is what makes you a stronger rider and in Andorra you have the perfect combination of both.” 

The Canadian continues to return to the lodge for a number of reasons.

“The view you have out your window is just incredible,” added Britton. “In the lodge you have your own little apartment but at the same time you’re just a doorway from your teammates so you can go hang out at night or chill at the creek, so I think it’s really great for camaraderie.” 

Like Britton, McCarty also knows the importance of riding in mountainous areas to maximize a rider’s training. 

“Having the ability to go to altitude, even to rest or recover, and get the physiological adaptations during training cycles is critical. Having that available in Europe is a privilege.”

Andorra is now one the premier places for cyclists to train in Europe and the lodge will be the ideal European training base for Rally Cycling moving into the future.