In recent years, women's sport has taken a step forward. Perhaps it has not been as big as some and some wanted, perhaps it has arrived late. But at least we can affirm that we are already immersed in the change.
In Andorra, the trend is the same. But as in so many aspects of our society, someone must take the lead to achieve an improvement. In 2020, the country of the Pyrenees gave birth to Andona, an association with a very clear objective: to promote women's cycling.
"From a social and pedagogical perspective, we accompany the girls on their first outings," says Xary Rodríguez, their promoter. She, who was also a professional cyclist, is a great lover of this sport, and works every day to "create a community among women so that they can ride a bike in a safe environment while sharing their passion."
Cycling is booming, especially women's, which started from much lower. "Women's vision of sport has evolved and has given us new horizons, bringing us closer to the situation of men's sport, but respecting our own scenario," says Andona Racing runner and lawyer Esther Piquer, ambassador of one of the main bicycle brands of the moment.
“I don't think that one gender or another can better define what is the sacrifice, the effort or the perseverance that this sport requires. The rules of the game have changed, and the best thing we can do is keep pedaling to show ourselves that talent and passion do not understand gender barriers ”, he claims.
With this new situation, there are already many women who have been encouraged to get on a bicycle. Andona has 300 members, who once a month carry out training sessions, focused on improving the technique on the bicycle.
At the same time, the Jorma Bike cycling store, located in Andorra la Vella, opened an exclusive space for women in June 2022. “With the pandemic, our female audience tripled and our stores did not meet what they expected. At this point, we committed to opening the first space in Andorra aimed exclusively at them and we presented, among other brands, Veloine, an exclusive and 100% feminine brand. A necessary evolution to continue adding towards a change in this sport.”, they explain.
Veloine stands out for its designs and patterns aimed at meeting the needs of cyclists. In addition, for example, they present special models for pregnant women, something very difficult to find.
Due to the increase in practitioners, and the increase in level, some of them want to enter the world of racing. Andona has recently launched a competitive section, with around fifteen girls, with the aim of being able to compete in the women's Catalan Cup in the short term, and participate in the national circuit in the future.
Andona Racing Club is the first women's team in the country's history and the only elite category road cycling team. With this, "we want to inspire the new generations, girls and boys, to practice this wonderful sport", adds Xary.
No matter how much talent and enthusiasm there may be behind it, the support of the country's institutions will be needed for the project to be sustainable and have a positive evolution.
