How hard is Alto de l'Angliru?

Classified as Super Hors Catégorie, Alto de l'Angliru is one of the most demanding climbs you’ll face — save your best legs for this one.

How long is Alto de l'Angliru?

Alto de l'Angliru is 13km long with 1,266m of elevation gain. At a typical climbing pace, expect the ascent to take roughly 1 hour and 18 minutes.

Where does Alto de l'Angliru start?

Alto de l'Angliru begins in Asturias, Spain. The starting coordinates are 43.2306°N, -5.8831°E.

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

The steepest 100-metre section of Alto de l'Angliru hits 21.3%. That’s wall territory — many riders will need to stand or zigzag. The average gradient across the full climb is 9.7%.

When is the best time to ride Alto de l'Angliru?

Alto de l'Angliru is best ridden around July, when temperatures sit around 20°C.

SHC

Alto de l'Angliru

Asturias, spain

Alto de l'Angliru is one of cycling's great tests — 13km of sustained climbing, gaining 1,266m from base to summit. The average gradient of 9.7% disguises ramps of 21.3% — the kind of gradient that turns plans into prayers. 16 hairpins punctuate the ascent, offering brief respite in the corners before the gradient bites again. The road reaches 1,555m — high enough to feel the altitude on tired legs. Located in Asturias, Spain.

The crux hits between km 6 and km 11 — 29km above 10% averaging 14.3%.
Higher summit than 98% of climbs in Asturias.
Steeper maximum gradient than 97% of climbs in Spain.
The 4th climb in Asturias by difficulty.
One of only 119 Super Hors Catégorie climbs in the database.

Alto de l'Angliru

Asturias, spain

13km 1266m 9.7%

SHC

Distance

13km

Avg Gradient

9.7%

Max Gradient

21.3%

Elevation Gain

1266m

Summit

1,555m

Wall Rating

7.6

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Conditions

Best time to ride: Spring to Autumn

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Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Temperature

6.9° Cool

9.8° Cool

10.5° Cool

12° Mild

15.2° Mild

17.1° Mild

19.8° Mild

20° Warm

18° Mild

15.7° Mild

10.2° Cool

8.7° Cool

Rainfall

159mm Wet

72mm Light

85mm Moderate

130mm Wet

104mm Moderate

214mm Wet

76mm Light

87mm Moderate

97mm Moderate

142mm Wet

180mm Wet

154mm Wet

Wind

10km/h Light

11km/h Light

12km/h Light

11km/h Light

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9km/h Calm

10km/h Light

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13km/h Light

What things cost

Typical prices in Spain

€1.70

Coffee

€3.00

Beer

€11.00

Meal

€1.00

Water

The Story

The Impossible Wall

Alto de l'Angliru is the steepest climb in Grand Tour cycling. With ramps exceeding 23% and an average gradient that would be considered steep on any other mountain, it is a climb that has reduced professional riders to walking.

The Climb

The first 7km from La Vega are deceptively moderate at 5-6%. Then the Angliru reveals its true nature. The gradient kicks to 18% and stays there, with the infamous "Cueña les Cabres" section hitting 23.5% — the steepest tarmac in professional racing.

At these gradients, the front wheel lifts off the ground and the rear tyre struggles for grip. Standing is almost impossible; sitting requires perfect weight distribution. It is pure, distilled suffering.

The Vuelta

First included in the Vuelta a España in 1999, the Angliru has produced some of the race's most dramatic stages. Roberto Heras is the king of the Angliru with three victories. In 2017, Alberto Contador's final Grand Tour climb was up this road — he finished with tears streaming down his face.

Pro Tip

Fit the smallest gear ratio physically possible. A compact crankset with a 32t cassette is the absolute minimum. Many riders fit a 36t or larger. The descent is terrifying — the steepest sections require constant braking.