The History of the Angliru

Introduced in 1999

The Alto de l’Angliru was introduced to La Vuelta a España in 1999, instantly becoming one of the most talked-about climbs in professional cycling. Designed to create drama and test even the best climbers, the Angliru's steep gradients and relentless ramps made it a stage that could decide the entire race.

• Origin of the Climb: Race organizers were searching for a climb that could rival the toughest ascents in the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. They found it in the Angliru, a narrow, winding road that snakes up the mountains of Asturias, with extreme gradients that set it apart from other climbs.

• First Edition Drama: The Angliru made its La Vuelta debut in 1999, and it immediately made an impact. In the rain-soaked stage, riders struggled to maintain their balance on the steep gradients, with some even dismounting and pushing their bikes. Spanish climber José María Jiménez won the stage, cementing the Angliru’s reputation as a race-defining climb.

The Characteristics of the Angliru

Steep Gradients and Brutal Ramps

The Angliru is infamous for its extreme gradients, which make it one of the most challenging climbs in the world of professional cycling. The climb is 12.5 kilometers (7.8 miles) long, with an average gradient of 10.1%, but it is the final 6 kilometers where the climb truly earns its fearsome reputation.

• Gradient Ranges: The climb starts moderately but quickly ramps up, with sections that reach gradients of 15-20%. The final 6 kilometers feature sections like the notorious Cueña les Cabres, which has gradients of up to 24%, making it one of the steepest parts of any Grand Tour.

• Narrow Roads and Harsh Conditions: The road is narrow, winding, and exposed, with no guardrails in some sections, adding to the difficulty. Weather conditions, such as rain or wind, can further complicate the already brutal ascent.

Key Sections of the Climb

• Les Cabanes: The first real challenge begins around 5 kilometers into the climb, where the gradient suddenly spikes to around 20%. This section signals the start of the hardest part of the climb, as riders must endure extreme gradients from here to the summit.

• Cueña les Cabres: Known as "The Ramps of the Goats," this section is infamous for its absurdly steep gradient of 23.5%. Riders who make it through this section unscathed often find themselves alone at the front of the race, with gaps forming between groups.

• The Final Kilometer: After battling through the steep ramps, riders face a slightly more moderate final kilometer, but fatigue has already set in, making it just as grueling. The summit is perched 1,570 meters (5,150 feet) above sea level, offering stunning views—if riders have the energy to notice.

Memorable Moments on the Angliru

1. José María Jiménez’s Victory (1999)

In the climb’s debut in 1999, José María Jiménez became the first rider to conquer the Angliru. The extreme conditions that day, with heavy rain making the roads slick, turned the stage into a war of attrition. Many riders struggled to stay upright, while Jiménez showcased his climbing skills to take a historic win.

• Impact: Jiménez’s victory on the Angliru remains one of the most iconic moments in La Vuelta’s history, solidifying the climb’s reputation as a stage that separates the best climbers from the rest of the peloton.

2. Alberto Contador’s Farewell (2017)

Alberto Contador, one of the greatest climbers in cycling history, chose the Angliru for his final victory before retiring from the sport. In the 2017 edition of La Vuelta, Contador attacked on the Angliru, distancing his rivals and crossing the finish line solo, a fitting farewell to his legendary career.

• Key Moment: Contador’s solo attack on the steepest sections of the climb demonstrated his fearless style and determination. His win on the Angliru was one of the most emotional and memorable moments in recent cycling history.

3. Chris Froome’s Battle for Victory (2017)

In the same stage as Contador’s farewell, Chris Froome defended his red jersey, ensuring his overall victory in La Vuelta. Froome’s calculated ride up the Angliru was a testament to his endurance and strategic approach to climbing.

• Key Moment: While Contador took the stage win, Froome’s performance on the Angliru helped secure his overall victory, adding La Vuelta to his list of Grand Tour wins.

The Tactics for Conquering the Angliru

1. Pacing Strategy

Pacing is critical on the Angliru, as the climb’s steep sections can quickly sap a rider’s energy. Riders must conserve energy during the first few kilometers, maintaining a steady rhythm to save their strength for the most difficult sections.

• Avoiding Early Attacks: Riders who attack too early on the Angliru often pay the price in the final kilometers. Teams typically wait until the steepest sections, around the Cueña les Cabres, to launch decisive attacks.

2. Team Support

Strong teamwork is essential for success on the Angliru. Domestiques set a steady tempo for their team leaders, protecting them from the wind and controlling the pace of the group. In the final kilometers, however, riders are often left to fend for themselves as the climb’s brutal gradients break up the peloton.

• Lead-Out in the Early Slopes: Domestiques are tasked with positioning their leaders well before the hardest sections begin, ensuring they are at the front of the group when the real climbing starts.

3. Mental Resilience

The Angliru is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Riders must remain focused and composed, especially in the steepest sections where fatigue sets in and gaps begin to form. The climb is a test of sheer willpower, with riders pushing themselves beyond their limits to reach the summit.

Conclusion

The Alto de l’Angliru has earned its place as La Vuelta’s most feared and iconic climb, with its extreme gradients, harsh weather conditions, and dramatic history creating some of the most memorable moments in the race’s history. Conquering the Angliru requires a combination of physical strength, tactical intelligence, and mental fortitude. It is a climb that pushes riders to their absolute limits, with each victory etched into the legend of La Vuelta a España.