A day that will mark a turning point in women’s cycling.
The Angliru, one of the most feared climbs in the world, makes its debut in La Vuelta Femenina as the grand finale of the 2026 edition. Just mentioning this legendary ascent brings to mind unforgettable names (Chava Jiménez, Alberto Contador…), epic feats (the Visma attack in La Vuelta 2023 that gave Kuss the win…), and above all, pain, suffering, and glory. A total of 12.4 km with an average gradient of 9.7% and ramps reaching 23.5%, finishing at 1,570 meters above sea level.
The “Hell” that will decide La Vuelta Femenina… with a Spanish rider among the contenders and an early finish (around 2:30 PM).
Paula Blasi (23 years old), second yesterday in Les Praeres, starts the final stage second overall, 18 seconds behind the leader, veteran Dutch rider Anna van der Breggen (36). That gap on the Angliru is nothing. Les Cabanes (22%), Llagos (14.5%), Los Picones (20%), Cobayos (21.5%), La Cueña les Cabres (23.5%), and El Aviru (21.5%) are part of a climb that can blow the race apart. And even more so if rain returns, as it did on Friday.
Blasi will climb this colossus for the first time. “I also climbed Amstel for the first time this year (a race she won), and Les Praeres too…” the Catalan warned AS, fearless.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow (today, the Angliru). It will be a different kind of battle, and I think I can do better,” she told this outlet. It will be a new barrier that women’s cycling breaks down. A much-anticipated day.
“It will mark a turning point, and I hope people get hooked on women’s cycling after a stage like this,” predicted Dori Ruano, ambassador of La Vuelta Femenina, present at the race. Another figure spotted at Les Praeres was Perico Delgado. “It’s a very demanding finish with a tough chain of climbs. The Angliru catches the fans’ attention and will show that women can climb the same mountains as men,” he highlighted under the rain at Les Praeres.
“Each one at her own pace. You see the panel with the winners (a monolith at the summit listing them all), and this year a woman’s name will be added. It’s important for cycling history, and fans will also enjoy it because it’s a very scenic climb,” said Asturian rider Alicia González a few days ago after ascending the mountain for an AS report. Being a local, she had never climbed it, and that’s common: the Angliru is only reserved for special occasions. Most of the peloton will ride it for the first time today, and only one will add her name to those of Contador, Roglič… on the winners’ monolith at the top. A memorable day.