The Spanish rider finished in second place after a strong display of teamwork
Carlos Verona delivered an impressive performance for Lidl-Trek at the Andorra MoraBanc Clàssica on Sunday, finishing second after an aggressive and tactically astute display from on the demanding roads of Andorra.
Raced over 125-kilometers and packed with nearly 4,000 metres of climbing, the Andorran one-day race was an opportunity to showcase climbing form before the Tour de France and also defend the prestige attached to the event after Lidl-Trek won it twelve months ago through Mattias Skjelmose. It is also a race that has strong links to Verona himself who is a key part of the organising committee.
From the opening climbs, Lidl-Trek ensured they were at the centre of the action. While early attackers established a gap on the long ascent of Port d’Envalira, the team remained calm and organised behind, keeping multiple cards available for the decisive finale. The squad’s depth was evident throughout the afternoon, with Derek Gee and Verona both positioned among the favourites as the race entered its decisive phase.
Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images
A key moment came on the climb to Les Pardines, where defence turned into attack. Julien Bernard launched an aggressive move from the peloton and quickly opened a gap, cresting the climb alone and forcing rival teams to react. The Frenchman’s acceleration put pressure on the favourites behind and gave Lidl-Trek a valuable tactical advantage heading into the final sequence of climbs.
As the race approached the decisive ascent of Coll de la Botella, Verona emerged as Lidl-Trek’s strongest option. The Spanish climber, who has played a significant role in promoting and supporting the development of the Andorra MoraBanc Clàssica, looked comfortable on roads he knows better than almost anyone in the peloton. Supported by the earlier work of his teammates, he remained among the select group contesting victory on the final climb.
The finale developed into a battle between some of the race’s strongest climbers, with Verona matching every significant move as the gradient steepened towards the summit finish. Despite a determined effort, he was ultimately denied victory by Tom Pidcock, who proved strongest in the closing metres. Verona crossed the line in second place, securing Lidl-Trek a strong podium finish.
Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images
In Carlos's words
Today was a very special day, it is not every day that you race a race that you organise! It was super special today, just like it was the first edition. I didn’t have all these stress of the first time and this year my only goal was to enjoy it. I gave more of the organisation role to my colleagues so I could focus more on the race.
This year the shape was different because I have been building up for the Tour de France so I felt super good all day. After the Dauphiné I had good legs so I was happy I could confirm it. I didn’t think I would be fighting for the podium with people like Tom Pidcock and Sepp Kuss, but I stayed calm and we raced well and united as a team, all together.
Derek had a puncture on the last climb and I stayed focused, following and then I tried to anticipate a bit in the sprint but Tom Pidcock followed and he sprinted and I didn’t have anything left. I was super happy with the legs, with the team, with the shape and also to see that my little race in Andorra is growing year by year. This year we had better participants than last year, more teams, I hope that the race keeps going and that Lidl-Trek is in every edition of the race from now on.
