Vuelta a Espana feminina 2026: Showdown of the female cyclists on the Anglirù mountain of horrors

In cycling, the key points that separate the wheat from the chaff in the peloton and decide the winners and losers are called executioners in a very martial way. In the upcoming women's Tour of Spain, the Vuelta Femenina (3 to 9 May 2026), the women will have to climb the Alto de l'Anglirù. This is where the race for overall victory will be decided. The Anglirù is so long and so steep that there are likely to be large gaps between the best riders: Over a length of 12.4 kilometres, the now asphalted, former mountain path for cattle herders is on average 9.8 per cent steep. At its peak, the mountain road in Asturias has a gradient of up to 23.5 per cent. This is the first time that the narrow road has been included in the programme of a major professional women's race. The stage race ends at the summit at an altitude of 1,550 metres on 9 May. At 132 kilometres, the final stage is also the longest stage of the day and, at 3,200 metres in altitude, also the most difficult. The Vuelta Femenina starts on Sunday, 3 May, in Marin in Galicia. The seven stages cover a total of 815 kilometres and all lead through the north-western part of Spain. Sprinters are likely to have a good chance of winning on the largely flat fifth stage. A small mountain finish awaits on day 6 in Les Praeres. Former Tour winner Pedro Delgado describes the climb as a "small Anglirù".

Star line-up with Tour winner Ferrand-Prévot

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot has been announced as a star guest for the race. The 34-year-old Frenchwoman, who will be racing in the jersey of the Dutch racing team Visma-Lease a bike, won the Tour de France Femmes last year. World time trial champion Marlen Reusser (Team Movistar) from Switzerland and French riders Juliette Berthet, née Labous, and Evita Muzic (FDJ-SUEZ) have also announced their participation. In addition, the names of multiple world champions Marianne Vos (Netherlands) and Lotte Kopecky (Belgium), the strong Spanish climber Mavi Garcia (UAE Team) and the German top rider Liane Lippert from Reusser's Team Movistar can be found on a provisional start list.

The stages at a glance

The seven stages are demanding - at the very end of the women's Tour of Spain, it's up the Anglirù. There is no individual time trial on the programme. Sprinters should be able to climb well if they want to get involved in the finale on one of the day's stages.

Stage 1: Sunday, 3 May: Marín - Salvaterra de Miño, 113 km

Stage 2: Monday, 4 May: Lobios - San Cibrao das Viñas, 109 km

Stage 3: Tuesday, 5 May: Padrón - A Coruña, 121 km

Stage 4: Wednesday, 6 May: Monforte de Lemos - Antas de Ulla, 115 km

Stage 5: Thursday, 7 May: León - Astorga, 119 km

Stage 6: Friday, 8 May : Gijón - Les Praeres, 106 km

Stage 7: Saturday, 9 May: La Pola Llaviana - L'Angliru, 132 km