Definition
Alto de l'Angliru is a mountain pass in the Cantabrian Mountains of northern Spain, renowned for its steep gradients and frequent inclusion in professional road‑cycling races, most notably the Vuelta a España.
Overview
The pass is situated in the municipality of Ribadesella, Asturias, at an altitude of approximately 1,573 metres (5,161 ft) above sea level. It connects the towns of La Pola de Siero and Ribadesella via a narrow, winding paved road (designated AS‑255). The climb is celebrated in the cycling world for its extreme difficulty, with sections reaching gradients of up to 23.5 % over a distance of about 12.5 km (7.8 mi). The first major appearance of Alto de l'Angliru in the Vuelta a España occurred in 2005, where it served as a decisive stage and has since become a symbolic summit finish in subsequent editions.
Etymology / Origin
- Alto is the Spanish word for “high” or “summit.”
- l'Angliru is an Asturian toponym; its precise linguistic origin is not definitively documented, though it is believed to derive from a local place name possibly linked to historical land‑ownership or a descriptive term in the Asturian language. Accurate information on the exact etymology is not confirmed.
Characteristics
- Geography: Part of the Cantabrian mountain range; the surrounding landscape features mixed forest, highland meadows, and typical Atlantic‑influenced climate with high precipitation.
- Elevation: 1,573 m (5,161 ft).
- Road Profile: The climb begins near the village of San Antonio de los Cobres and ascends approximately 1,200 m (3,937 ft) over 12.5 km (7.8 mi). Gradient distribution: average 9.5 %, with the steepest segment (the “Alto de la Horqueta”) reaching 23.5 % for several hundred metres.
- Surface: Asphalt pavement, narrow carriageway with limited passing zones.
- Use in Sport: Regularly featured in the Vuelta a España; also used for amateur and professional training climbs. The difficulty has attracted attention from the broader cycling community and media.
- Infrastructure: Limited facilities at the summit; occasional roadside aid stations during race events. Access is seasonal, with occasional closures due to adverse weather (snow, fog, landslides).
Related Topics
- Vuelta a España (Grand Tour cycling race)
- List of steepest paved roads in the world
- Cantabrian Mountains
- Cycling climbs in Spain (e.g., Lagos de Covadonga, Alto de la Covadonga)
- Asturias (autonomous community of Spain)
- Road engineering and mountain pass construction
All information presented reflects data available from reliable geographic and sporting sources up to 2024.