“I can’t find my fucking ski!” professional cyclist Michael Woods exclaimed as he searched the snow-covered slopes of Andorra on February 27, 2026. The outburst came after a crash during the final descent of the first stage of La Travessia dels Refugis, an International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) Europe series race in the Pyrenees mountains.
Woods, a Tour de France stage winner, was competing in skimo – ski mountaineering – alongside fellow professional cyclist Amund Jansen. The pair found themselves facing a challenge far removed from the paved roads they typically race on. Woods’ ski had become detached during the crash, disappearing into the mountainous terrain.
The incident followed a difficult week for Woods, who had recently competed in gravel racing in Girona, Spain. “A week earlier, I had literally found myself eating shit and getting pummeled by the best gravel riders in the world,” Woods wrote of the experience. Now, he was contending with a different kind of humbling in the Andorran mountains.
Andorra, a small principality nestled between France and Spain, has become a haven for endurance athletes in recent years. Its high altitude, rugged terrain, and favorable tax rates attract cyclists, skiers, and other athletes seeking a training base. Woods noted that he often sees professional cyclists like Tom Pidcock and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot in the area, and even shared a five-hour ride with MotoGP star Aleix Espargaró.
The idea for the skimo challenge originated during a chance encounter with Jansen at a school drop-off. Jansen, a former professional cyclist with teams including Jumbo Visma and Jayco-Alula, had been sidelined by iliac artery endofibrosis (IAE), a condition that narrows arteries in the hip and can severely impact athletic performance. Despite the injury ending his professional cycling career, Jansen’s intelligence and physical fitness made him an ideal partner for the challenge.
“Due to the injury, Amund decided to end his career this past season, and although this was not the way or time he had hoped to end things, he is one of the few pro cyclists I have not worried about in post-retirement life,” Woods said. “The guy is wicked smart.”
Together, Woods and Jansen set their sights on Pierra Menta, considered the “Tour de France of skimo.” To prepare, they entered La Travessia dels Refugis, a two-day, 40-kilometer race across nine of Andorra’s highest passes. Despite their extensive endurance backgrounds, the pair were largely inexperienced in skimo, using unfamiliar equipment and lacking the specialized skills of seasoned ski mountaineers.
The first stage of La Travessia dels Refugis proved challenging. Woods experienced issues with his hydration pack, and both he and Jansen struggled with transitions between climbing, and descending. Despite these setbacks, they found a rhythm and began to enjoy the sport. However, Woods’ crash on the final descent led to the loss of his ski and a frustrating search.
After a lengthy search, a fellow racer located Woods’ ski, restoring his spirits. The second day of the race saw improved performance from the pair, as they navigated the course with greater confidence. They finished eighth on the day, earning the respect of their competitors and gaining valuable experience in the sport.
“If I could have been paid as much as I made in cycling, to race skimo, I definitely would have done that,” Jansen remarked after the race. Woods and Jansen are now preparing to compete in Pierra Menta, scheduled to begin on March 11th.
