The Legendary Mountain Climbs

1. Alto de l’Angliru: The Beast of Asturias

The Alto de l’Angliru is arguably the most famous and feared climb in La Vuelta a España. Located in the Asturias region in northern Spain, the Angliru was first introduced to the race in 1999 and quickly became a legend due to its extreme difficulty.

• Characteristics: The climb is approximately 12.5 kilometers long with an average gradient of 10.1%, but it features sections with gradients exceeding 20% and even reaching up to 24% in places. Its narrow roads, steep hairpins, and brutal ramps make it one of the most challenging climbs in professional cycling.

• Memorable Moments: The Angliru has been the scene of many dramatic moments in La Vuelta history, including heroic solo victories and heartbreaking collapses. Riders such as Alberto Contador, Chris Froome, and Hugh Carthy have etched their names into cycling lore with memorable performances on this punishing ascent.

2. Lagos de Covadonga: A Classic Mountain Finish

The Lagos de Covadonga is another iconic climb in La Vuelta, often compared to the Tour de France’s Alpe d'Huez or the Giro d’Italia’s Stelvio. First included in the race in 1983, the climb to the lakes has become a classic and is often a decisive stage in the general classification battle.

• Characteristics: The climb is 12.6 kilometers long with an average gradient of 7.3%, but it includes sections that ramp up to 15%. The route to the summit offers breathtaking views of the Picos de Europa National Park, adding to its allure.

• Memorable Moments: The Lagos de Covadonga has seen many epic battles between top climbers and GC contenders. Legendary riders like Pedro Delgado, Miguel Induráin, and Nairo Quintana have all left their mark on this climb, which continues to be a fan favorite.

3. Alto de los Machucos: The Wall of Cantabria

The Alto de los Machucos is a relatively new but already iconic climb in La Vuelta, known for its extremely steep gradients and rugged surface. Introduced in 2017, it has quickly gained a reputation for being one of the toughest climbs in the race.

• Characteristics: The climb is only 7.2 kilometers long but features an average gradient of 9.2%, with ramps reaching 25% at certain points. The rough, concrete-paved surface adds another layer of difficulty, making it a true test of a rider’s climbing ability and bike-handling skills.

• Memorable Moments: The Machucos has provided some of the most dramatic moments in recent La Vuelta history, with riders like Fabio Aru and Primož Roglič delivering powerful performances that have shaped the outcome of the race.

The Historic Monuments and Landmarks

4. Santiago de Compostela: The Pilgrim's Finish

The historic city of Santiago de Compostela, famous for being the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, has been featured several times as a finish for La Vuelta. Its cobbled streets and historic architecture provide a dramatic backdrop for a time trial or sprint finish.

• Characteristics: Santiago de Compostela is known for its steep, narrow streets that challenge riders in the final kilometers. The route often includes a mix of flat sections, small climbs, and technical descents, making it a versatile stage.

• Memorable Moments: The 2014 edition ended with a time trial in Santiago de Compostela, where Alberto Contador sealed his third Vuelta victory. The combination of history, culture, and high-stakes racing makes Santiago a memorable finish location.

5. Alto de la Cubilla: The Balcony of Asturias

The Alto de la Cubilla, also known as the "Balcony of Asturias," is a long, scenic climb that was first included in the 2019 edition of La Vuelta. The climb is renowned for its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

• Characteristics: The climb is 17.8 kilometers long with an average gradient of 6.2%. Unlike some of the more brutal climbs in La Vuelta, the Cubilla offers a more gradual ascent, but its length and steady gradient can still be a significant challenge, especially toward the end of a hard stage.

• Memorable Moments: In its debut in 2019, the Cubilla hosted an exciting stage finish that saw Jakob Fuglsang take a solo victory, cementing its status as a new classic in the Vuelta’s repertoire.

Unique Urban and Coastal Routes

6. Madrid: The Traditional Grand Finale

Madrid, Spain’s capital, has been the traditional finish for La Vuelta since 1994. The final stage in Madrid is often a festive celebration, featuring a circuit race through the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Plaza de Cibeles, Gran Via, and Puerta del Sol.

• Characteristics: The Madrid stage is typically flat, providing opportunities for sprinters to shine and for the general classification riders to celebrate their achievements. It is one of the most recognizable finishes in cycling, akin to the Champs-Élysées finish in the Tour de France.

• Memorable Moments: The atmosphere in Madrid is always electric, with fans lining the streets to cheer on the riders. The city has witnessed numerous sprint victories by riders like Fabio Jakobsen and Sam Bennett, as well as emotional celebrations by overall winners.

7. The Costa Blanca: A Scenic Coastal Challenge

The stages along the Costa Blanca on Spain’s eastern coast offer some of the most picturesque routes in La Vuelta. These coastal stages often feature a mix of flat roads, rolling hills, and sudden climbs that make for unpredictable racing.

• Characteristics: The combination of strong coastal winds, sharp bends, and varying terrain makes these stages particularly challenging. Riders must be prepared for sudden changes in pace and conditions.

• Memorable Moments: The Costa Blanca stages often serve as key points for breakaways, where opportunistic riders can capitalize on the changing dynamics of the race. These stages are known for their scenic beauty and their potential to shake up the general classification.

Conclusion

The iconic routes of La Vuelta a España, from its legendary mountain climbs to its historic monuments and vibrant urban finishes, define the character of the race. These routes test the riders' endurance, skill, and strategy while showcasing the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Spain. As La Vuelta continues to evolve, these iconic routes remain an integral part of its identity, drawing fans and riders back year after year to witness new chapters of cycling history being written.