The Angliru is back! First used in 199, the Alto de l'Angliru makes its fourth appearance in the Vuelta. The incredibly steep climb with pitches up to 23% was last used in 2002. Before the riders get to the often misty, rainy and cold finish they will have to contend with more mountains.
After only 47 kilometres the category three Alto del Ortigueiro await the riders. Then it is on to the Alto de la Faya de los Lobos (rift of the wolfs), which is also a category three climb. Then two category one ascends (El Alto de Colladiella and el Alto del Cordal) will make sure the riders get to the Angliru as tired as possible. The finish on the Angliru is one of three hors category climbs, called Categoría Especial in Spanish.
Despite its short history in the race, the Angliru is already legendary. It has seen some great battles. Spain's Fernando Escartin and Abraham Olano crashed in the 1999 edition and arrived bruised and battered. Six years ago when the climb was last used David Millar stopped half a metre from the line as a protest against the cruel hill.
-
How to watch Giro d'Italia Stage 7 for FREE: All the broadcasters and streams for Blockhaus summit finish
The Giro hits Blockhaus for its first major mountain test on Friday – here's how to watch Jonas Vingegaard and his rivals in action -
'A tough period of racing while searching for answers' – Iliac artery surgery ahead for Neve Bradbury
Australian Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto rider heading to hospital for operation next week -
What is the Blockhaus? And why does it matter so much in this year’s Giro d’Italia?
Legendary ascent on stage 7 could be most decisive summit finish of entire 2026 race -
Giro d'Italia penalties, fines and yellow cards – All the punishments handed out at the 2026 race
Tracking the rule infringements and penalties accrued on the road from Bulgaria to Rome
