The History of the Covadonga
Introduced in 1983
The Lagos de Covadonga climb made its first appearance in La Vuelta a España in 1983, instantly becoming a favorite among fans and riders alike. Its inclusion added a new dimension to the race, offering a stunning but brutal test of endurance that would go on to become a regular feature in La Vuelta’s mountain stages.
Scenic and Historic: The climb is set in the picturesque Picos de Europa, a mountain range rich in history and natural beauty. Riders ascend through a winding, narrow road that leads to the twin glacial lakes, Enol and Ercina, surrounded by lush greenery and rugged peaks.
A Fan Favorite: The Covadonga has grown to become one of the most popular stages for fans. Each year, thousands of spectators line the roads to cheer on the riders, creating an electric atmosphere reminiscent of the Alpe d'Huez in the Tour de France.
A Staple of La Vuelta
Since its debut, the Covadonga climb has featured regularly in La Vuelta, with over 20 appearances. Its difficulty, combined with its significance in the general classification (GC) battle, makes it a pivotal stage that often plays a decisive role in the race.
Impact on GC: The challenging gradients and high altitude of the Covadonga make it a crucial stage for GC contenders. Time gaps often form here, with climbers and overall contenders looking to gain valuable seconds, or even minutes, on their rivals.
Characteristics of the Covadonga Climb
Length and Gradient
The Lagos de Covadonga climb is 12.6 kilometers (7.8 miles) long with an average gradient of 7.3%, but the climb is notorious for its steep sections, particularly in the final kilometers.
Gradient and Sections: While the average gradient may not seem as punishing as climbs like the Angliru, the Covadonga features several ramps that reach up to 14%, particularly in the final 5 kilometers. Riders must also contend with short downhill sections that break up their rhythm and make it difficult to find a steady pace.
Switchbacks and Narrow Roads: The road to the summit is narrow, winding, and packed with switchbacks. As the riders approach the summit, the crowd closes in, creating a tunnel of noise and energy that fuels both the riders and the atmosphere.
Scenic but Challenging
The climb offers stunning views of the lakes and mountains, but the beauty can be deceiving—riders often face harsh weather conditions at the top, with cold winds and rain frequently adding to the difficulty of the ascent.
Weather Conditions: The unpredictable weather in the Picos de Europa adds another layer of difficulty to the Covadonga stage. Riders often face sudden downpours or chilly winds as they approach the summit, making it even harder to maintain pace on the steep sections.
Memorable Moments on the Covadonga
1. Marino Lejarreta’s Inaugural Win (1983)
The first rider to conquer the Covadonga in La Vuelta was Marino Lejarreta, a legendary Spanish climber, in the stage’s inaugural appearance in 1983. Lejarreta’s win solidified the climb’s place in La Vuelta, and his performance remains a reference point for the many riders who have since taken on the Covadonga.
Key Moment: Lejarreta's victory not only showcased his climbing skills but also highlighted the significance the Covadonga would hold in future editions of La Vuelta.
2. Laurent Jalabert’s Heroics (1994)
Laurent Jalabert, one of the most versatile riders in the history of cycling, delivered one of the most memorable performances on the Covadonga in 1994. Jalabert, known more for his sprinting ability, attacked early on the climb, stunning his rivals and powering his way to a solo victory.
Impact: Jalabert’s win on the Covadonga proved his versatility and ability to compete with the best climbers, helping him secure the overall victory in La Vuelta that year.
3. Thibaut Pinot’s Redemption (2018)
In 2018, French climber Thibaut Pinot won the Covadonga stage, redeeming himself after struggling earlier in the race. Pinot attacked on the steepest part of the climb, holding off his rivals to take an emotional solo victory.
Key Moment: Pinot’s triumph on the Covadonga was a defining moment in his career, demonstrating his resilience and determination after a difficult start to the race.
4. Primož Roglič’s Domination (2021)
Slovenian rider Primož Roglič added his name to the list of Covadonga winners in the 2021 edition of La Vuelta. Roglič, one of the best all-around riders of his generation, attacked on the Covadonga and soloed to victory, further solidifying his status as the favorite for the overall win.
Impact: Roglič’s dominant performance on the Covadonga helped him secure the red jersey and set him up for his eventual overall victory in La Vuelta 2021.
Tactics for Conquering the Covadonga
1. Pacing the Early Slopes
The climb to the Lagos de Covadonga begins with a relatively moderate gradient, and riders must carefully pace themselves during the early sections. Attacking too early can lead to burnout in the final kilometers, where the gradient ramps up dramatically.
Conserve Energy Early: Many GC contenders sit back and allow their domestiques to set a steady pace during the first half of the climb, conserving energy for the steeper sections.
2. Attacking in the Final Kilometers
The final 5 kilometers of the Covadonga climb are where the real race begins. This is often the moment when riders launch decisive attacks, aiming to open up gaps on their rivals.
Key Attack Zones: The steep ramps near the top, where the gradient hits 13-14%, are prime spots for climbers to launch their attacks. Riders who can maintain a high tempo on these sections often create significant time gaps.
3. Team Support
Domestiques play a critical role in protecting their team leader during the early part of the climb. By setting a steady pace and controlling the peloton, domestiques allow their leader to save energy for the decisive moments.
Setting the Tempo: Teams with strong climbers, such as Ineos Grenadiers or Jumbo-Visma, often control the pace during the Covadonga, ensuring their GC contender is in a strong position before the final attack.
Conclusion
The Lagos de Covadonga has become one of the most iconic and revered stages in La Vuelta a España, with its combination of challenging gradients, stunning scenery, and dramatic finishes. From legendary victories by riders like Marino Lejarreta and Laurent Jalabert to modern triumphs by Primož Roglič, the Covadonga climb continues to produce some of the most memorable moments in professional cycling. As one of the most difficult and decisive stages in La Vuelta, the Covadonga is a true test of a rider’s climbing ability, endurance, and mental toughness