Presentation of La Purito Andorra 2018 Andbank

• The number of registrations has risen to 2,500.

• The cyclist Joaquim Rodríguez presents the 4^th edition of the La Purito Andorra cycling tour in the Andbank offices.

• The catering point at the legendary Coll de la Gallina will offer exquisite “puritos” of chocolate to recover strength after the demanding climb.

Escaldes-Engordany, 12 June 2018

The Business Andbank Centre today welcomed the official presentation of the 4^th edition of the cycling tour La Purito Andorra 2018. The event was hosted by the Deputy General Director of Andbank Banca País Josep M. Cabanes, the President of Sprint Club Andorra, Emili Pérez, and the ex-professional cyclist who gives his name to the tour, Joaquim “Purito” Rodríguez.

The presentation was opened by Josep M. Cabanes, who thanked Joaquim Rodríguez for his unconditional support of Andorran cycling, as well as his commitment to the country by encouraging the organisation of this demanding tour that has great media impact, and has been a success since its first edition. He pointed out, “It’s an event that attracts a large public and that can only be good for the country.”

Then, a video was shown, summarising the last edition of the tour including the experiences of some of the participants.

Emili Pérez followed, explaining all the technical and organisational aspects of the tour, which can be found on the website www.lapurito.com

Joaquim Rodríguez expressed his thanks for the sponsors: Andorra Turisme, Andbank, Comú of Sant Julià de Lòria, Comú of Encamp and E. Leclerc, and all the collaborators and friends who are supporting this fourth edition of La Purito Andorra. This year, for the first time, the Art i Pa Bakery has prepared some exquisite chocolate “puritos” to be handed out at the catering point at the Coll de la Gallina.

He also told us about the big surprise of the tour: Carlos Sastre is the guest for this edition. The Spanish cyclist was a professional from 1997 to 2011 and among his many victories he stands out for having held first place in the general classification of the Tour de France ten years ago.

Other well known sportspeople have also announced their participation in the tour, like the motorcyclists Toni Bou and Carlos Checa, the ex-professional cyclists Joseba Beloki, Angel Vicioso, Angel Edo and Josep Jufré, as well as José Antonio Hermida and Gerard Morales (Spanish ultradistance champion). It will be a pleasure once again to have the participation of Sandra Santanyes, 12 times Spanish champion. All of these have promised to be alongside Joaquim Rodríguez on 5 August.

La Purito started life four years ago as one of the toughest tours in Europe and has become a great reference point among cycle tour riders because of the beauty of its scenery and the demands that it makes of the riders. This is a tour open to traffic with two timed stages in which the participants can know their times in the ascent to the legendary Coll de la Gallina and the Cortals d’Encamp.

Once again children aged between 5 and 12 will be able to participate in La Purito Kids on Saturday 4 August, in a race on a circuit closed to traffic in Encamp. With this, Joaquim “Purito” Rodríguez confirms his support for the base of the sport of cycling.

The registration period reached the limit of 2,000 places weeks ago, but due to the great demand it has been extended to 2,500. As of today’s date registrations are still open on the website www.lapurito.com

You can follow all the information on Twitter @lapuritoandorra and Facebook www.facebook.com/lapurito