The summit of the Angliru is often compared to the Mortirolo throughout Europe, as they share very similar overall statistics, with climbs of 12,5 km in length and an average gradient of around 10 percent. Both are considered among the toughest cycling climbs. The Angliru, specifically, has a relatively easy start followed by a grueling final six kilometers, including a section that defies all logic: the infamous Cueña les Cabres , which reaches gradients exceeding 23 percent.
The Angliru data
Physics data say that at an 13 percent unevenness, a climber that rolls at 12 km / h generates a power of about 315 watts, of which it uses a 93,5 percent to beat gravity and an 2,8 percent in overcoming air resistance. These figures become more unlikely in the case of the Angliru, which was named by the farmers of the area with a name that derives from the Latin angulum, plus the termination ariu (angled place). When we walk through the mountains of this port dotted with uniform peaks, the sun falls so vertical that one goes treading its own complete shadow up to the head. The somber angles, the nooks and crannies of the rocks, are essential for men and cattle to clear hot flashes before reaching the top.
Although reaching its 1570-meter summit is no easy feat, from the top we can see that the effort was well worth it. Beautiful landscapes of the central Asturian mountains unfold before us, with the Gamonal peak to the north, at 1.712 meters, and Moncuevu to the south, at 1.718 meters. It's possible to hike from the summit of Angliru to the top of Gamonal in a walk of less than an hour in good weather. On a clear day, the view stretches from the Asturian coast to the Picos de Europa.
The Aramo mountain range , where this legendary climb is located, offers a virtually untouched rural landscape that is well worth exploring. The Angliru climb could easily serve as a first excursion in this area, as its views provide a clear overview of the mountain range's contours and the many hikes it has to offer.
As a cycling legend, it presents a very attractive challenge for cycling enthusiasts . In fact, hundreds of cycling lovers climb the Angliru throughout the year. They do it to test themselves and measure their endurance. They climb alone or as part of cycling groups; there are also those who run up or use roller skis. For all of them, in the autumn there is a combined event that brings together more than a thousand determined participants. Check the website: subida-angliru.es
For the most comfortable there is always the option of climbing the Angliru by car. The track is asphalted and in good condition, but it is narrow, full of curves and slopes that are not common for drivers who are not used to these mountain roads. There are "quitamiedos" all the way, but still the feeling may be too strong for those who are not accustomed.
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How to get there :
In the N-630 that connects Oviedo with Mieres, we must deviate on the right towards the town of Santa Eulalia by the AS-231. You pass the towns of Las Mazas and La Foz until you reach La Vega de Riosa where you take a deviation to the right to begin the ascent. The first 6 kilometers are relatively simple until you reach the recreational area of Villaparada. The maximum difference in this first part is 8 percent. Then there are the most difficult 6 kilometers. We find Les Cabanes Curves with a difference of 20 percent during 150 meters. The next curve is Llagos where the difference is 14,5. Next are the Curve Los Picones (18) and La Curva Cobayos (17), these lead to La Cueña Les Cabres where the drop reaches 23,5 percent for about 500 meters. The last slope is that of Aviru with a slope of 19 percent.Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
