Alto de l’Angliru: Conquering the Vuelta’s Toughest Climb & Epic Views

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