Alto de l'Angliru

Difficulty points	1544
Length	13 km
Average gradient	9.7%
Steepest 100 metres	21.3%
Total ascent	1266 m

Reviews (11)

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

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DavidS36

2 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

I was browsing the list and wondering when I would get to this notorious climb. Clearly not so many people are brave enough to take it on! For me it came towards the end of a longish day on Marmot Tours’ Picos trip. I found it harder than Monte Zoncolan and decided to walk the infamous 25% ramp rather than overstrain my knees. Could have done with a lower gear than 34-30. Zigzagging at this point isn’t really an option because the road is very narrow (just like Zoncolan). An unforgettable experience, you really feel on top of the world near the summit. Weather can change quickly so be prepared for anything!

Raik2020 ^premium

7 Mo 5.0

Povinnost každého opravdového cyklisty vyškrábat se na vrchol.
Výjezd za typického počasí - mrak a něj déšť - parádní ...

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The duty of every true cyclist to climb to the top.
A trip in typical weather - cloud and rain - great ...

jlp ^premium

1 y 2.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Jawadde, without a doubt the toughest col I have ever ridden. Didn't have to dismount and I'm a bit proud of that. Super quiet! Only met about three other cyclists, not l it was high season (July) either. Lots of cows on the road and beautiful views (I was lucky with the weather) Though not the most beautiful in the area. Lagos de Covadonga is even more beautiful

teogros

2 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

It is by far the hardest climb I have tackled: the Mortirolo seems like a walk in the park in comparison. The ramp to 21％ (500 metres!) is something devastating, even from a mental point of view: it feels like an endless lift! The scenery is really beautiful and it's worth doing: but equip yourself with something better than my 36*28, because at the worst points you can't climb at more than 5 km/h!

Jarin ^premium

2 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Incredible, what a monster climb. At the foot you are already warned: Hay que suffrido -- this will be gruelling.... The climb is almost unbearable as you approach the top; on several occasions I felt like falling over because of the (too) low speed you can develop on the steep sections. Getting out of the saddle is not an option because then you have a high chance of your rear wheel slipping. I ended up swerving back and forth on several sections. (Fortunately, I recently saw in the Netflix series on the 2022 Tour de France edition that several sprinters also went up the last part of the Peyregudes like this, so there's no shame in that). Just before the summit, though, you are treated to stunning views of Oviedo and the Atlantic Ocean! A mountain you must have climbed once, but will probably ignore forever after....

Dickbenedictus

3 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

I was quite nervous after all the stories about this climb and rightly so. The first 6 km I could go up in a relaxed way, waiting for the things to come. From the mirador, halfway up, the going got tough; a pretty steep part, I had trouble keeping my front wheel on the road; after that I got into a good rhythm with an occasional tough part. The last 3 km were really the hardest I've ever had on a bike... but the road surface was good and near the top I suddenly cycled out of the clouds into the sun and was welcomed by a group of cheering Spaniards. I was also given a push in the direction of the real summit. After that, I enjoyed the view! The descent was again in fog and that made it hard to watch out; sometimes there is a cow 5 metres in front of you... heavy but what a beautiful climb I had!

Ernesto

3 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

I organised a trip to Asturias, just to be able to do this and other climbs that have made part of Vuelta history. In particular, the Angliru is a climb with two faces, the first part climbs gently with pedalable gradients in a mountain landscape dominated by greenery, the second part is a violent slap made of steep climbs, breathtaking hairpin bends without interruption, and all just when your energy is struggling to come to your aid. Tackled at the end of July 22, on a beautiful day, it was a unique experience. Tip....planned a period of hard training before doing it.

Supergrimpeur

3 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

the mother of all climbs.

Only go there if you are already in great shape. If not... don't bother.

Kevin ^premium

4 y 5.0 01:16:21 (10.2 km/h)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

El Infierno. This climb I place effortlessly at the top when it comes to difficulty. The ultra steep parts follow each other in quick succession in the last kilometers. Especially the strip 'Cuena les Cabres' is murderous. Rarely had to zigzag so to stay in balance. Except a suffering climb is this also terribly beautiful in terms of environment. The trick is to enjoy it while suffering.

JamieM

4 y 5.0

Without a doubt, the hardest climb I have done. The only reason I travelled to this area was to take on Angliru.

Definite climb of two halves. The first 'easy' section is on good roads, at a fairly steady gradient (around 7％ / 8％), and you're settling in and wondering what the fuss is all about. Then the second section hits and you're smacked in the face almost immediately with the gradient, as well as the change in road surface.

Gone is the nice tarmac and wide road. Now it's narrow, steep and a bumpy surface covered in cow crap!

I like to think that climbs are as difficult as you choose to make them... just vary the effort, pace and gearing. On Angliru, it's is just hard. All the way after the half way point. You need you easiest gearing (my 30 cassette broke and could only use a 28!). If you don't have the right gearing, you will end up stopping and it's almost impossible to get back on and start riding again.

It's steep at every point. And you know you're in for a battle when you see a section where the average is 13％, and you're relieved it's easing off!

As you crest the rise (with some great views behind you) you think you're at the end. Now, the climbing is done, but there is a sort section of easy descent around the mountain that takes you to the car park and the official end of the climb. My mates didn't do this last bit, so technically didn't do the climb !

This is a must.

Andre ^premium

5 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

According to many professional cyclists, this climb is the toughest in current cycling and in the Tour of Spain.
The average gradient of 10,2％ does not reflect the real difficulty of this climb because the first 6 km are barely 7％ uphill. The road in the steep part has been paved especially for the Vuelta because originally it was a goat path or " camino de la cabra " as the Spaniards call it. The infamous part has gradients up to 26,7％ . The goat trail is over 3 km long but from km 6 on you won't get below 13％percentages. Among others, the Spanish Kelme team broke their chase car on it but many professional cyclists also broke their tracks on it. The older cycling fans will remember the images of David Millar who, a few meters before the finish, threw his bike into the abyss in protest against what the Vuelta organizers did to the riders during the first climb of the Angliru in their Tour.
Contador won there 2 times and the last time was during his last stage race and actually last stage of value ever. The most legendary duel was fought between Nibali and Horner in the Vuelta and won by Horner.
The col is often hidden in a layer of fog and the weather is rarely sunny despite the summit being at an altitude of barely 1500m. The nature is rough and very green but so beautiful but the last 6 km you can hardly enjoy it because your tongue hangs between your frame.
If you have climbed this col without dismounting you can take a big compliment and don't forget to mount a trippel at the front otherwise you can forget it, even the pros do this for this climb.
This climb is legendary. Whoever wins here gets eternal fame.

Climbing times

7 km/h	01:51:21
11 km/h	01:10:51
15 km/h	00:51:58
19 km/h	00:41:01

Road surface condition

78% 19% 4%

Based on 27 votes

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Traffic

69% 23% 8%

Based on 26 votes

Your experience counts. How much traffic did you encounter during the climb?

Frequently Asked Questions

Alto de l'Angliru can be cycled from 4 sides. Alto de l'Angliru from La Vega is the most popular side, but the summit can also be reached via Alto de l'Angliru from Santa Eulalia, Alto de l'Angliru from La Vega via Grandiella & Alto de l'Angliru from La Foz de Morcín via Alto de Covarriella.

The Alto de l'Angliru is extremely hard. We recommend that you choose the lightest possible gearing, such as a 34-tooth or smaller chainring, combined with a 34-tooth rear cog. Otherwise, there's a good chance you'll need to put a foot down sooner or later. If you think you need to go even lighter, you could consider using a gravel or mountain bike, or installing a gravel or mountain bike derailleur with a rear cog of more than 40 teeth. Good luck!

Alto de l'Angliru falls into the Super Hors Catégorie, the absolute top category. These are the most extreme climbs that exist. Even with excellent fitness, there is a chance you will have to put a foot down. Only the strongest make it to the top without any problems.

Alto de l'Angliru is 13 km long.

The average gradient of Alto de l'Angliru is 9.7%.

Alto de l'Angliru has a steepest segment with an average gradient of 21.3%.

The summit of Alto de l'Angliru is at 1555 m.

At a slow pace of 7 km/h, it takes about 01:51:21 to climb Alto de l'Angliru. At 11 km/h the time is 01:10:51, and at 15 km/h 00:51:58. For the fastest cyclists, 00:41:01 is an achievable time.

Alto de l'Angliru is located in the region Asturias in Spain.

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (41)

Reviews (11)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Alto de l'Angliru

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (41)

Reviews (11)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sides of the Alto de l'Angliru can be cycled up?

What gearing is needed for Alto de l'Angliru?

How difficult is the Alto de l'Angliru?

How long is the climb up Alto de l'Angliru?

What is the gradient of Alto de l'Angliru?

What is the steepest part of Alto de l'Angliru?

How high is Alto de l'Angliru?

How long does it take to cycle up Alto de l'Angliru?

Where is Alto de l'Angliru located?