In a stage considered short, spanning only 124km, the race promises great excitement thanks to its explosive finish at a mythical location in the world of professional cycling.
The toughest ascent in Asturias, which many consider the most challenging in the World Tour, is featured in the Vuelta a España 2023. The Altu de L’Angliru was last seen in 2017, where Alberto Contador put on his final show, winning the stage and concluding his illustrious career.
During the stage, before the final climb, cyclists will have to tackle two climbs that are far from what we might call easy. The Alto de la Colladiella will be a test in itself, covering 7.8 km at a 7.1% average gradient. The Alto del Cordal is even more challenging, with an average gradient of 9.2% over a distance of 5.4 km.
And finally, the Altu de L’Angliru, with 12.5 kilometers ranging from 340 to 1,575 meters in altitude and featuring a 10.1% average gradient. In the initial part, the climb includes slopes as steep as 11.2%. The most challenging section is known as Cueña las Cabres, where the gradient reaches an astounding 23.5%. After this, there are still a few kilometers left to the summit, followed by a brief descent towards the finish line.
Stage 17 (September 13) Ribadesella – Alto de L’Angliru (124.4 km)
