Ahead of San Sebastián and Vuelta a Espana, Remco Evenepoel recons brutal Alto de l'Angliru

Into the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France riders usually go all-in their preparation and leave no details untouched to have their best preparation. This usually includes recons of several stages, riders don't usually do it as much at the Vuelta a Espana, but Remco Evenepoel has been in the Asturias this week and rode the Alto de l'Angliru.

A climb that will be new to him in terms of competition, it is one of the toughest ascents in pro cycling, compared to the likes of the Monte Zoncolan or perhaps the Monte Lussari which he was meant to ride this past May if he hadn't abandoned the Giro. After having a positive Covid-19 case, the World Champion has decided to race the Vuelta where he is the defending champion, and he got to know what may perhaps be his biggest challenge.

The Soudal - Quick-Step rider has been training in altitude in the Alps recently, but has came down now ahead of the Clásica San Sebastián where he is also the reigning champion. However he travelled to Spain a few days earlier to explore the route of stages 17 and 18 of the Vuelta which can be decisive and have summit finishes at the Alto de l'Angliru and La Cruz de Linares respectively.

The Angliru will be 13.2 kilometers long at 9.4% but features gruesome gradients of over 20% in several sections, whilst the day after the riders will climb twice the La Cruz de Linares which is 8.3 kilometers at 8.5%. The two stages in the mountainous region will be the final high mountain challenges, and two days where the red jersey can be decided.