Joan Verdú / GEPA pictures
A national hero from a tiny country in the Pyrenees, Joan Verdú has become one of the World Cup’s most charismatic rising stars — a racer known as much for his razor-sharp giant slalom turns as for his love of cycling and a perfectly grilled steak.
Fans love him not only for his smooth style on the slopes but also for his charisma — and, of course, his confident presence off the snow. During Saalbach 2024, he drew more than a few glances as he walked by in a sleeveless shirt.
His nickname “Mamba Negra” — the Black Mamba — comes from his aggressive, clean, and serpentine skiing style. At a sponsor event, Joan appeared with a real snake to promote his nickname — and Zrinka Ljutić was less than thrilled when the reptile slid over her crystal globe.
With two World Cup podiums already behind him, a ski brand change ahead of the Olympic season, and a presence that makes him one of the most beloved racers on the circuit, Joan shared his reflections on summer training, his mindset for the Olympic year, and the importance of staying connected — both to fans and to himself.
New Skis, Same Fire
Switching ski brands — especially in an Olympic year — is a big step filled with expectation. Joan’s pre-Olympic summer was therefore all about adapting and finding the right rhythm and setup with his new gear.
“Yeah, super excited about this change in my career,” he says. “A lot of work this summer — trying new boots, new skis, everything. Getting used to the new material, but I’m really happy with my progress. Everything went super well.”
The transition wasn’t simple, but it pushed him forward.
“The whole team has been working so hard to make things happen, and for me, it’s really good and welcome. I’m super excited to start a new season.”
Cycling, Grilling, and Mental Balance
When he’s not skiing, Joan can often be found on his bike or by the grill. His Instagram feed this summer was full of long climbs and sizzling barbecues — two passions that surprisingly complement each other.
“Oh, two of my biggest hobbies — cycling and meat,” he laughs. “For me, it’s really important to have a sport that’s also a hobby. I love being out in nature, training outside. It’s super good for my body and mind.”
There was no set goal in kilometers — just personal challenges that kept him motivated and feeling strong.
“We did all the big climbs in Andorra — it was super epic! These kinds of challenges are great for my mind. Now, I’m ready for the season.”
Small Nation, Big Spirit
Coming from a country with fewer than 80,000 people, Verdú’s training structure looks different from what skiers from big nations experience.
“For us, being a small nation like Andorra, I usually train alone,” Joan explains. “But we try to join different athletes. It’s good not to be isolated — to train with other nations, have some references, training partners.”
Lately, he has spent time working with the Norwegian team.
“They’re a super strong team, and it’s great to train together,” he adds with a smile.
Giving Back to Andorra’s Youth
One of Verdú’s most heartfelt projects is his work with children and young athletes in Andorra. Through youth camps and local events, he passes on his experience and passion.
“We did some camps for the young generation,” he explains. “For me, it’s important not just to compete, but to share our passion, our experience, our knowledge with the young ones. It’s something I would’ve loved to have when I was their age.”
The kids adore him — and he draws real energy from working with them.
“They’re super excited! Andorra didn’t really have top Alpine skiers before, so it’s very special for me to share this feeling with them. They give me so much energy.”
Joan Verdú, credit: Darka Sefcik Starnova
The Power of Sharing
Beyond skiing and mentoring, Joan has also built a growing digital community. His YouTube channel, now three years old, offers a candid glimpse into life as a professional skier.
“We post a lot of videos — training, travel, diet — all the behind-the-scenes parts of the sport,” he says. “It’s not just racing and winning. There are bad moments too, and I felt we weren’t showing enough of that side. So that’s why we started the channel.”
Creating content has become one of his favorite hobbies, and it helps bring skiing closer to fans around the world.
“It’s a hobby for me, but it gives great visibility to skiing,” he says.
Eyes on the Olympic Season
With the Olympic year ahead, Verdú’s focus is clear. He’s not just chasing podiums — he’s chasing steadiness run after run.
“Last winter I was really fast, but I also had too many DNFs,” he admits. “So this season, I want to stay just as fast, but more consistent. Then the results will come.”
The Spirit of the Mamba Negra
Charismatic, grounded, and radiating that unmistakable Latino warmth and energy, Joan Verdú is proof that greatness doesn’t depend on the size of your country — but on the size of your commitment.
For Andorra, he’s more than an athlete — he’s a symbol of what’s possible when passion, patience, and skill come together. And whether he’s conquering Andorran mountain passes on his bike, mentoring the next generation, or carving down an icy World Cup giant slalom — one thing is certain:
the Mamba Negra is ready to strike again.