Vuelta a España Vuelta a España 2025, Stage 13: Cabezón de la Sal – L’Angliru (202.5k)

Page 2 - Get up to date with the latest news, scores & standings from the Cycling News Community.
Honestly the Angliru seems kind of contrived as a climb. Probably because it literally is . Did anybody ride bikes on this thing prior to Vuelta-izing it?

I do think it could provide some exciting racing, so I'm looking forward to it.
No, until a few years before the inauguration it was only a donkey path and was only paved in connection with its inclusion in the Vuelta.
Like many other climbs over the years, most recently the Col de la Loze.
 
No, until a few years before the inauguration it was only a donkey path and was only paved in connection with its inclusion in the Vuelta.
Like many other climbs over the years, most recently the Col de la Loze.
I have mixed feelings about this trend. One thing I like about road racing is the real-world aspect of it. So I like places that people would - or did - ride electively.

(Its like how I felt back in the early 90's when MTB race routes transitioned from genuine backcountry or open space trails to contrived laps around ski areas. I get that the former was pretty bad for spectating. But it felt more real somehow.)
 
SO the question we all are dying to know is: who chartered a helicopter to save themselves the ride back down the mountain?

1. J Vingegaard (via his team)
2. Mads Pedersen
3. Bling. (I know he's not here but it would be max bling. Speedy recovery!)
4. Jasper Phillipsen
5. Juan Ayuso (out of his own pocket)

Could the organisers be chartering the jersey wearers (and stage winner) a helicopter down?
 
Honestly the Angliru seems kind of contrived as a climb. Probably because it literally is . Did anybody ride bikes on this thing prior to Vuelta-izing it?

I do think it could provide some exciting racing, so I'm looking forward to it.
You can tell by the telltale parts of the road surface were not screeded concrete that it was not meant to be a "road". They mixed the concrete, let it set slightly so it wouldn't run downhill and dumped it from the topside: then raked it downhill. If I recall some parts have scraped grooves in it for traction.
Definitely tests your tire pressure as well as your legs.