The Alto de l’Angliru: A Pilgrimage to Cycling’s Brutal heart
The roadside was a vibrant, unlikely gathering today – a West Bromwich Albion flag flapping in the breeze, a minibus crammed with journalists, and the dedicated Timo Roosen fan club, all converging on the iconic Alto de l’Angliru for stage 13 of the Vuelta a España. this marked the race’s 10th visit to this legendary Asturian climb, a place steeped in cycling history.
The Vuelta, and cycling in general, is renowned for its eclectic fanbase, and while the crowds didn’t quite reach the fever pitch of Alberto Contador’s farewell in 2017, this was my first experience witnessing the spectacle firsthand. It’s a pilgrimage for manny,a test of devotion mirroring the challenge faced by the riders themselves.
The journey began in La Ara, Riosa, the starting point for the 12.4km ascent and the designated pick-up point for the media van. Anxious as ever, I arrived a full half-hour early, observing a queue of “invitados” eagerly awaiting their own transport.The day was glorious, a perfect backdrop to the rugged beauty of the valley, though the remnants of the region’s coal-mining past – towering stacks – served as a stark reminder of its industrial heritage. Even a Chicago Cubs fan was among those boarding the VIP bus, trading stolen bases for nine innings of cycling drama.
the race was already unfolding with a blistering pace from Cabezón de la Sal, a 25-rider breakaway setting the stage for the Angliru’s inevitable fireworks. By 1:30 PM local time, our ascent began, the minibus packed with a largely Spanish-speaking media contingent and myself.
Ahead, spectators had already staked their claim, setting up camp chairs for the afternoon. Others were embarking on the same route João Almeida (UAE
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