1. Alto de l'Angliru: The Ultimate Test
The Alto de l'Angliru is often referred to as the most feared climb in professional cycling. Located in the Asturias region of northern Spain, this ascent is infamous for its extreme gradients, reaching up to 24%. Introduced to La Vuelta in 1999, the Angliru has become a legendary stage that can make or break a rider’s hopes of overall victory.
Length: 12.5 km
Average Gradient: 10.1%
Max Gradient: 24%
Key Challenges
The Angliru’s narrow, winding roads and sudden ramps make it incredibly difficult to maintain rhythm, with the steepest sections—such as the Cueña les Cabres—forcing even the strongest riders to the limit. The weather on the Angliru is often unpredictable, with rain and fog adding to the challenge. Riders must manage their energy carefully to survive the final, brutal kilometers.
Memorable Moments
In 2017, Alberto Contador delivered a dramatic solo victory on the Angliru, his final professional win before retirement. His attack on the steepest slopes cemented his place as one of the greatest climbers in cycling history.
Chris Froome defended his red jersey on the Angliru in 2017, showcasing his ability to manage his effort on one of the toughest climbs in cycling.
2. Lagos de Covadonga: A Classic of La Vuelta
The Lagos de Covadonga climb is another iconic ascent that has featured regularly in La Vuelta since its debut in 1983. Situated in the Picos de Europa National Park, the climb offers both scenic beauty and brutal gradients, making it a decisive stage in the race.
Length: 12.6 km
Average Gradient: 7.3%
Max Gradient: 14%
Key Challenges
The climb starts steadily, but the gradients ramp up significantly in the final kilometers, with steep ramps and sharp switchbacks that challenge even the best climbers. The Covadonga’s remote location means that weather conditions can be harsh, with rain and wind often playing a role.
Memorable Moments
Thibaut Pinot claimed an emotional victory on the Covadonga in 2018, attacking in the final kilometers and holding off his rivals for a solo win.
In 2021, Primož Roglič dominated the Covadonga stage, solidifying his lead in the general classification with a commanding performance.
3. Alto de los Machucos: The Wall of Cantabria
The Alto de los Machucos is a relatively new addition to La Vuelta but has already gained a reputation as one of the most punishing climbs in the race. Introduced in 2017, this climb features narrow, concrete-paved roads and gradients that rival the Angliru in difficulty.
Length: 7.2 km
Average Gradient: 9.2%
Max Gradient: 28%
Key Challenges
The Machucos is known for its short but incredibly steep ramps, with sections that exceed 25%. The rough road surface and sharp corners add to the difficulty, making it one of the toughest climbs in La Vuelta. Riders often have to fight just to stay upright on the steepest parts.
Memorable Moments
In 2019, Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič put on a climbing masterclass, with Pogačar winning the stage and Roglič consolidating his lead in the GC. Their performances on the Machucos highlighted their climbing prowess and ability to handle extreme gradients.
4. Alto de La Farrapona: A High-Altitude Test
The Alto de La Farrapona is a high-altitude climb that features regularly in La Vuelta. Located in the Asturian mountains, the Farrapona is not as steep as the Angliru or Machucos but makes up for it with its long, steady gradients and high elevation.
Length: 16.5 km
Average Gradient: 6.2%
Max Gradient: 12%
Key Challenges
The length of the climb, combined with its altitude, makes the Farrapona a significant test of endurance. Riders must pace themselves carefully to avoid blowing up in the final kilometers, where the gradient increases. The thin air at altitude also adds an extra layer of difficulty.
Memorable Moments
In 2020, David Gaudu took a stunning stage win on the Farrapona, outlasting his rivals on the final climb after a grueling day in the mountains.
5. Alto del Gamoniteiro: The New Giant
The Alto del Gamoniteiro made its La Vuelta debut in 2021, immediately earning a reputation as one of the toughest climbs in the race. With a length of over 15 kilometers and an average gradient of 9.6%, the Gamoniteiro is a climb that tests even the best climbers to their limits.
Length: 15 km
Average Gradient: 9.6%
Max Gradient: 17%
Key Challenges
The Gamoniteiro is characterized by its unrelenting gradient, with very few sections offering any respite. The climb’s length and steepness, combined with the thin air at high altitude, make it one of the most punishing stages in La Vuelta.
Memorable Moments
The 2021 debut of the Gamoniteiro saw Miguel Ángel López take the stage win after a solo attack on the steepest sections of the climb, showcasing his climbing prowess.
Conclusion
La Vuelta a España is defined by its punishing climbs, where the world’s best climbers battle extreme gradients, unpredictable weather, and their own physical limits. From the brutal ramps of the Alto de l'Angliru to the high-altitude challenges of the Alto del Gamoniteiro, these climbs have produced some of the most dramatic and memorable moments in cycling history. For riders aiming to win La Vuelta, mastering these legendary ascents is essential, as they often prove to be the difference between victory and defeat.