Pyrenean Queens: Massi ISB Sport Triumphs in Thrilling 2026 Andorra Epic Women’s Race

ByMtbApp

The 2026 Andorra Epic delivered four days of world-class mountain biking across the high-altitude trails of the Pyrenees. In the elite women’s category, the race turned into a masterclass of tactical pacing, teamwork, and resilience. Monica Calderon and Costanza Fasolis of team Massi ISB Sport emerged as the ultimate queens of the mountain, capturing the overall title through a mix of early dominance and calculated defending.

Here is how the dramatic race unfolded stage by stage through the rugged Andorran peaks.

Stage 1: Massi ISB Sport Seizes Control Amid Torpado’s Misfortune

The race kicked off with a grueling 49-kilometer opening stage starting nearly 2,000 meters above sea level in the Pal Arinsal Bike Park. With 1,440 meters of climbing, the high-mountain route tested the peloton immediately with climbs to Coll de Cabús and Collada Muntaner.

Pre-race favorites Katazina Sosna-Pinelė and Giorgia Marchet of Torpado Kenda FSA made an aggressive start, leading the pack over the first 20 kilometers to the summit of Coll de la Botella. However, disaster struck shortly after when the Torpado pairing suffered a critical puncture. The mechanical issue cost them over 20 minutes, effectively derailing their general classification (GC) title hopes on day one.

Capitalizing on the opening, Monica Calderon and Costanza Fasolis seized control. After battling closely with Metallurgica Veneta Pro – Next Ride through the 35-kilometer mark, Massi ISB Sport launched a decisive attack with 10 kilometers remaining. They crossed the finish line with a commanding 2-minute and 9-second gap over Maria Zarantonello and Chrystelle Baumann, pulling on the first orange leader’s jerseys.

Stage 2: Dominating the Pyrenean Queen Stage

Stage 2 was the designated Queen Stage—a brutal 61-kilometer point-to-point journey from Canillo to La Massana featuring 2,200 meters of vertical climbing. The route crossed the highest point of the 2026 race at Llac de Pessons, sitting at 2,350 meters above sea level.

Looking to mount an immediate comeback, Torpado Kenda FSA went on the offensive. Sosna-Pinelė and Marchet set a blistering pace on the opening 14-kilometer climb, carving out a 28-second lead over the general classification leaders.

Calderon and Fasolis remained composed, managing their pace through the thin mountain air. Over the next 22 kilometers, the Massi ISB Sport duo steadily reeled in the attackers. Thriving at high altitude, Calderon and Fasolis countered strongly in the final kilometers to secure their second consecutive stage victory. They crossed the line 2 minutes and 40 seconds ahead of Torpado Kenda FSA, while extending their GC lead over rivals Metallurgica Veneta to 7 minutes and 20 seconds.

Stage 3: A Defensive Masterclass in Naturland

The penultimate stage presented a different challenge: a 52-kilometer cross-country style course starting in Naturland, featuring 1,300 meters of climbing and 1,620 meters of technical descending.

The profile perfectly suited the powerful riding style of Torpado Kenda FSA. Sosna-Pinelė and Marchet went full gas on the initial climb to the Spanish Civil War Bunkers and maintained their speed through the 20-kilometer descent toward Andorra la Vella. By kilometer 42, they had built an unassailable lead of nearly two minutes, cruising to their first stage victory of the event.

Behind them, a high-stakes tactical battle unfolded for the overall lead. Metallurgica Veneta’s Zarantonello and Baumann dropped Massi ISB Sport on the main climb, threatening to chip away at the overall standings. Fasolis, admitting the punchy cross-country terrain was not her preferred style, paced herself carefully. Massi ISB Sport executed a brilliant chase during the second half of the stage, catching Metallurgica Veneta after the long downhill. Though Zarantonello and Baumann won the final kick for second place, Calderon and Fasolis finished just two seconds behind them, successfully protecting a 7-minute and 18-second buffer heading into the final day.

Stage 4: Keeping Cool to the Grand Finale

The final stage in La Massana was a compact but demanding 45-kilometer loop packed with 1,650 meters of climbing via the Collada de Muntaner and Coll de la Botella passes. The race concluded with a spectacular 1,000-meter continuous singletrack descent down the famous La Commençal T-Section.

With a comfortable cushion in the GC standings, Massi ISB Sport opted for a conservative, risk-averse strategy. They monitored their closest rivals closely and managed their efforts through the soaring Pyrenean summer heat. Despite Fasolis running out of water and struggling on the final climb, the duo relied on their excellent team chemistry to stay within striking distance of the front.

Torpado Kenda FSA capped off their rollercoaster week by winning the final stage, securing a consolation second consecutive stage victory. Massi ISB Sport crossed the line in second place, just ahead of Metallurgica Veneta, safely wrapping up the prestigious overall title.

2026 Andorra Epic: Final Women’s General Classification Results

The final standings after four days of intense high-altitude mountain bike racing in Andorra:

  • 1. MASSI ISB SPORT: Monica Calderon & Costanza Fasolis (12:13:59)
  • 2. METALLURGICA VENETA – NEXT RIDE: Maria Zarantonello & Chrystelle Baumann (12:21:19 | +7:20)
  • 3. TORPADO KENDA FSA: Katažina Sosna-Pinelė & Giorgia Marchet (12:34:19 | +20:20)
  • 4. ISB CYCLISTWORK FACTORY: Meritxell Figueras Garangou & Alba Teruel Ribes (12:57:31 | +43:32)
  • 5. VELO KARTELL X R-SUSPENSION MTB: Claudia Krenn & Veronika Weiss (13:03:01 | +49:02)

The victory marked the second Andorra Epic title for both Calderon (who won in 2024) and Fasolis (who won in 2021), cementing their status among the elite racers of the global Epic Series.

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