Alto de L’Angliru, Vuelta a Espana, stage 20
One of the most fearsome climbs in world cycling, comfortably rivalling the likes of l’Alpe d’Huez and the Zoncolan, the Angliru’s vital statistics do not do justice to its ferocious nature. The savage 12.2km ascent claims an average gradient of 10.2 per cent, but that does not tell half the story. With leg-screaming slopes upwards of 21 per cent, including the wall-like 23.5 per cent ramp just two kilometres from the summit, L’Angliru is a truly fearsome climb. Furthermore, its undulating nature means it is not just a steady increase, but instead delivers blow after blow, just as the riders cry out for respite.
So, with just one stage remaining of the 2013 Vuelta after this famous summit, it was always likely to be a decisive stage. And so it proved, as an epic battle between Chris Horner (Radioshack-Leopard) and Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) unfolded amidst the fog on the iconic climb. To focus solely on the two GC contenders would be a disservice to 22-year-old Frenchman Kenny Ellisonde (FDJ.fr), who battled the brutal climb alone and ahead of the celebrated pair, his face contorted in agony as he rode frantically to a hugely impressive solo victory. Just down the road however, Horner and Nibali were engaged in a cat-and-mouse battle, with the red jersey at stake. Nibali attacked, Horner reeled him in, the Italian went again and the veteran American responded. And then, from the fog the 41-year-old emerged alone, appearing almost effortless as he powered ahead to all-but seal overall victory.
