Clash of the cantabrian montains

Lagos de Covadonga VS Alto de l'Angliru

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Named after the two lakes that sit at its summit, this climb is maybe the most famous of all the great Vuelta climbs. Used first in 1983, it has graced the route 21 times. As 1983 was also the first year the race was televised, it became a classic overnight. Rising for 16km from the town of Cangas de Onís, it plunges right into the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park. Not packed with hairpins, and not arriving at an out-of-season ski station, this magical road has a character far removed from the famous French passes. The first 5km is very steady, then comes the ruthless midsection, which includes 3km that average well over 10 per cent. Just before the summit comes a short descent, before another final killer kick to the line, in the utter splendor of the pristine surroundings. The list of winners is a roll call of great climbers; Quintana, Pinot, Delgado, Herrera and, in 1986, Robert Millar. Riding for Panasonic, this was Millar’s second attem