1. 1999: The Angliru’s Debut
The introduction of the Alto de l’Angliru in 1999 immediately set the stage for one of the most dramatic climbs in Grand Tour history. The rain-soaked roads and extreme gradients of up to 24% turned the climb into a battle of survival for the riders. José María Jiménez, a brilliant climber, took the victory, navigating the treacherous conditions to emerge as the strongest on the day.
Why It Was Dramatic: The Angliru’s sheer difficulty and unpredictable weather conditions made it an epic stage. Riders were seen dismounting and pushing their bikes due to the extreme gradient, and Jiménez’s victory cemented the Angliru as one of the most feared climbs in cycling.
Legacy: This stage set the tone for future editions, where the Angliru would become a climactic battleground in La Vuelta, reshaping the general classification year after year.
2. 1983: Marino Lejarreta’s Win at Lagos de Covadonga
The Lagos de Covadonga made its first appearance in La Vuelta in 1983, and the stage has since become one of the most legendary in the race’s history. In its inaugural edition, Spanish climber Marino Lejarreta took a stunning victory, conquering the harsh gradients and cementing the climb’s place as a decisive feature of La Vuelta.
Why It Was Dramatic: Lejarreta’s triumph came on a stage that introduced one of La Vuelta’s most iconic climbs. The beauty of the climb, combined with its relentless difficulty, made it an instant fan favorite.
Legacy: Lagos de Covadonga has since become one of the most anticipated and dramatic stages of La Vuelta, where only the best climbers can prevail.
3. 2011: Juan José Cobo’s Victory on the Angliru
The 2011 La Vuelta saw one of the most surprising and dramatic performances in modern cycling when Juan José Cobo attacked on the Alto de l'Angliru, leaving behind pre-race favorites like Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome. Cobo’s victory on this iconic climb was decisive, as he rode solo to the summit, gaining enough time to take the red jersey and eventually win the overall race.
Why It Was Dramatic: Cobo’s attack came on the race’s most feared climb, and his performance shocked the cycling world. His victory over the likes of Wiggins and Froome made this stage an unforgettable turning point in the 2011 edition.
Legacy: Cobo’s victory on the Angliru remains one of the most surprising results in La Vuelta’s history and solidified the climb as a race-decider.
4. 2017: Alberto Contador’s Farewell on the Angliru
Alberto Contador delivered one of the most emotional and memorable victories of his career on Stage 20 of the 2017 La Vuelta, attacking solo on the Angliru to take the stage win in what was his final professional race. With the GC battle raging behind him, Contador attacked the steepest gradients of the Angliru, leaving behind his rivals and claiming a victory that perfectly encapsulated his aggressive, never-give-up racing style.
Why It Was Dramatic: This was Contador’s farewell race, and his attack on the brutal slopes of the Angliru was a fitting final victory for one of the greatest climbers in the sport’s history. The stage was an emotional rollercoaster for fans and riders alike.
Legacy: Contador’s win is remembered as one of the most emotional victories in cycling, marking the end of an era for one of Spain’s greatest champions.
5. 2019: Primož Roglič vs. Tadej Pogačar
The battle between Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar in the 2019 La Vuelta was one for the ages. On Stage 20, Pogačar launched a bold and decisive attack on the penultimate climb, distancing all of his rivals and winning the stage by over a minute. His move shook the general classification, but Roglič held on to the red jersey, sealing his first Grand Tour victory.
Why It Was Dramatic: Pogačar’s attack was a brilliant tactical move, and his ability to win the stage solo at such a young age (he was 20 at the time) stunned the peloton. Roglič’s composed ride to defend his lead added further drama to the race.
Legacy: This stage signaled the rise of Pogačar as a future Grand Tour winner and confirmed Roglič’s status as one of the best riders in the world.
6. 1985: Pedro Delgado’s First Vuelta Triumph
In 1985, Spanish legend Pedro Delgado claimed his first La Vuelta victory in one of the most dramatic and unexpected finishes in the race’s history. Delgado, not considered one of the main pre-race favorites, launched an incredible attack in the mountains, distancing his rivals and taking a decisive lead in the GC.
Why It Was Dramatic: Delgado’s victory came as a surprise, and his aggressive racing style in the mountains turned the race on its head. His performance on the decisive climbs made him a national hero in Spain.
Legacy: This was the first of Delgado’s two La Vuelta victories, and it set him on the path to becoming one of Spain’s most beloved cyclists.
Conclusion
La Vuelta a España has delivered countless dramatic stages over the years, where heroes were made, and races were won and lost. From the brutal climbs of the Angliru and Lagos de Covadonga to the unexpected victories and emotional farewells, these stages have become legendary in the world of cycling. As La Vuelta continues to unfold each year, new heroes will emerge, and more unforgettable moments will be added to the race’s rich history.