Experiencing a day skyward atop the Alto de l'Angliru, reportedly the toughest ascent worldwide – Insights shared from the Vuelta a Espana cycling event

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The 13th stage of the Vuelta a España 2025 took a dramatic turn at the iconic Alto de l'Angliru on September 5, as riders from 23 teams and over 180 athletes battled it out on the challenging 202.7 km route from Cabezón de la Sal.

The summit of Alto de l'Angliru, which starts at La Ara, Riosa, was serene, with a makeshift gravel car park providing a home to a small number of approved vehicles. Among them was Tom Pidcock (Q36.5), who was met by his partner, soigneur, and dogs at the summit.

The Portuguese fans were the happiest throughout the day, ole-ing any and everyone who drove past them as the convoy of vehicles headed back down the steep slopes. They were out in full force, praying for their man Almeida to win the stage. Today, several Porto and West Brom football shirts were represented in the crowd.

The day was warm and sunny, with shorts and t-shirts common among spectators. Some spectators carried unique items in the back pocket of their cycling jerseys, such as a pair of sliders or a bocadillo (sandwich).

The steepest sections of the climb were located just under 8km from the finish line, where more fans were waiting and a large car park housed campervans, ice cream vans, and the Timo Roosen fan club.

The finish line was getting fuller and fuller by the minute, with riders arriving in dribs and drabs to the top of the Angliru. The minibus driver honked constantly while navigating cyclists and pedestrians on the road.

Some riders looked completely spent, while others were happy to have made it or won the stage. Gareth Bale Real Madrid jersey was spotted among the spectators, with one spectator even offering a beer to the driver wearing the same jersey. Flags from various countries, including Spain, Brittany, Portugal, Palestine, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, Scotland, Ireland, were visible among the crowd.

For those who missed the live action, the Vuelta a España coverage can be accessed through a Cyclingnews subscription. The media van organized by Vuelta was located at the meeting point in La Ara, Riosa. Some spectators were ready to board the VIP bus, including a Chicago Cubs fan.

As the day drew to a close, the excitement at Alto de l'Angliru remained palpable, with the memories of the grueling stage 13 of Vuelta a España 2025 etched in the minds of both the riders and the passionate spectators. Today, Alto de l'Angliru once again proved to be a stage that tests the limits of even the strongest riders, making it a must-watch for cycling enthusiasts worldwide.

Experiencing a day skyward atop the Alto de l'Angliru, reportedly the toughest ascent worldwide – Insights shared from the Vuelta a Espana cycling event