Jenny Rissveds achieves her first victory in Andorra after a surprise storm

Jenny Rissveds once again demonstrated in Pal Arinsal that she is going through one of the best moments of her career. The Swede won the women's Short Track at the World Cup in Andorra after controlling much of the race and launching a devastating attack at the start of the last lap. Laura Stigger was second and Ronja Blöchlinger completed the podium in a race held under intense rain.

Jenny Rissveds wins in the rain at the Short Track in Andorra with an attack on the last lap

As has happened in other editions, the weather once again became a protagonist in Pal Arinsal. A thunderstorm hit the circuit just two hours before the start and forced teams to review configurations and tires at the last minute. This is not an unusual situation in a venue located near 2,000 meters above sea level, where the weather can change completely in a matter of minutes.

Despite the intensity of the rain, the race started on time with all the specialists on the grid. Martina Berta tried to take the initiative in the first meters, but it was Rissveds who positioned herself at the front ahead of Jolanda Neff, Laura Stigger, and Sina Frei, with the Italian closing that first group.

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The circuit was delicate, although the terrain remained more compact than expected. The race was set for nine laps and, during the first laps, the pace was high but less chaotic than in other Short Tracks. This situation allowed several riders to catch up from behind, including Evie Richards, while Rissveds continued to lead the race from the first position.

The first significant attacks came on the fourth lap. Martina Berta tried to increase the pace and, shortly after, Alessandra Keller launched another change of pace, but neither managed to break the group of favorites.

The selection began to take place on the sixth lap. When nine riders seemed to have consolidated the front group, Sina Frei suffered a slip that caused her to lose contact and forced her to chase for the rest of the race.

The rain stopped two laps from the end and Rissveds and Keller took on the weight of the lead. The race was still completely open when the bell for the last lap rang, but the World Cup leader did not wait for the final stretch.

As soon as she crossed the finish straight, Rissveds launched a powerful acceleration that immediately opened up a significant gap. Ronja Blöchlinger took on the responsibility of chasing and increased the pace alongside Laura Stigger, Alessandra Keller, and Nicole Koller, but none managed to close the gap.

Rissveds crossed the finish line in first position and secured her first victory in Andorra. Behind, the rest of the podium was decided in a sprint, with Laura Stigger second and Ronja Blöchlinger third. The three received the same official time of 21:50.

Top 10 XCC Elite Women – World Cup of Andorra 2026

1. Jenny Rissveds (Canyon XC Racing) – 21:50
2. Laura Stigger (Specialized Factory Racing) – same time
3. Ronja Blöchlinger (Liv Factory Racing) – same time
4. Nicole Koller (Lapierre PXR Racing) – +2 s
5. Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon) – +4 s
6. Savilia Blunk (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) – +9 s
7. Anne Terpstra (Lapierre PXR Racing) – +25 s
8. Sina Frei (Specialized Factory Racing) – +29 s
9. Martina Berta (Origine Racing Division) – +33 s
10. Rebecca Henderson (Orbea Fox Factory Team) – +44 s