The Alto de l’Angliru, known mostly as ‘the Angliru’, conjures both fear and defiance for cyclists. A legendary mountain pass in Spain’s Asturias region,it is generally accepted to be the most difficult climb in Spain.
The full length from bottom to top is 12.4km with an average gradient of 9.7%. It’s the second half of the narrow,twisting road that gives the climb notoriety as it winds beside steep walls with rocky outcroppings and provides sweeping views of the Asturias region of northern Spain without obstructions of trees. Signs on the road also alert casual riders to how steep each section is.
On a section 3km from the summit the gradients push up to 20%, with one section reaching as high as 23%. That is why that part of the mountain is called Cueña les Cabres, pass of the goats, as only farm animals were common on the original gravel path.
The tourism website for Asturias goes as far as to call this stinging segment “a section that goes against all logic”.I suppose that makes it truly worthy of an hors categorie designation.
Tourism officials also explain how the mountain got its name, as farmers used the Latin word ‘angulum’ for the base of the name to describe an angled or out-of-the-way place.
## History at the return
It wasn’t until 1997 that the full length of the Angliru road was paved for vehicles to pass,with Cueña les Cabres covered by tarmac two years later just for the Back to Spain. Since the Angliru’s introduction in 1999 the climb has been used in the race nine times, with 2025 marking the 10th occasion.
Spaniard José María Jiménez (Banesto) etched his name in the record books as the first conqueror of the climb, which featured on stage 8 of the 1999 Vuelta. He would win the mountains classification that year for a third time. Italian gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Daikin) won the mountain stage the next year. After a one-year hiatus, l’Angliru returned on stage 15 in 2002 won by Spaniard R
2025 Vuelta a España: A climber’s Race with Angliru as the Decisive Test
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The 2025 Vuelta a España route promises a brutal test for general classification (GC) contenders, with a significant emphasis on climbing. Notably, half of the 21 stages will culminate in uphill finishes, headlined by the formidable Angliru climb on Friday, September 5th during stage 13. This edition is shaping up to be a decisive race for climbers, demanding both endurance and explosive power.
The Angliru: A Feared Ascent
The Angliru,a legendary climb in Spanish cycling,will be a pivotal moment in the 2025 Vuelta. This will be the tenth time the summit has featured in the Grand Tour, and it typically appears in the second week. Historically, it has only served as the final climb of the race on stage 20 twice – in 2013 and 2020.
This year’s stage 13,covering 202 kilometers from Cabezón de la Sal,will be the longest of the race,with riders facing a grueling 3,964 meters of elevation gain.The Angliru’s infamous section, La Cueña the goats (The Goat’s Curve), is expected to be a major selection point.
Two-time Vuelta runner-up Fernando Escartín described the Angliru as “feared” following the route proclamation, stating, “Facing La Cueña the goats with almost 200km behind them will be a crucial test for the favorite riders who, should they have a bad day, can kiss La vuelta goodbye.” https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/vuelta-a-espana-2025/route/
Beyond the Angliru: A Mountainous Route
While the Angliru is the most iconic climb, it isn’t the highest point of the 2025 Vuelta. That distinction belongs to stage 20, which will ascend to Bola del Mudo at 2,251 meters above sea level. https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/vuelta-a-espana-2025/map/
The route features a high concentration of challenging climbs, designed to test the limits of even the most seasoned GC contenders.The emphasis on uphill finishes suggests a race where consistent climbing performance will be paramount. Teams will need to strategically position their leaders to navigate these demanding stages and capitalize on opportunities.
key Takeaways
Climber’s Race: The 2025 Vuelta route heavily favors climbers, with half the stages finishing uphill.
Angliru as Decisive Stage: Stage 13, featuring the Angliru, is expected to be a crucial moment in the race.
Longest Stage: Stage 13 is the longest of the race, at 202km with significant elevation gain (3,964m).
High Altitude: The Bola del Mudo climb on stage 20 will reach the highest altitude of the race (2,251m).
* Tactical Complexity: Teams will need to employ refined tactics to position their GC leaders for success.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Vuelta a España is poised to be a thrilling and demanding race. The challenging route, especially the inclusion of the Angliru, promises high drama and a fierce battle for the red jersey. Fans can anticipate a spectacle of athletic prowess and tactical maneuvering as riders push their limits in pursuit of victory. The race will likely reward consistent climbing ability and strategic team work,making it a must-watch for cycling enthusiasts.