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10,012 inhabitants (Aller)
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Principality of Asturias
CYCLING
The Cotobello climb made its La Vuelta debut in 2010. During that edition, the race peloton faced its ramps after overcoming the San Lorenzo Mountain Pass and the Alto de la Cobertoria, before Mikel Nieve emerged victorious, wearing the orange Euskaltel-Euskadi jersey. Today, this Asturian summit will make its debut as a finish-line in La Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour.es and will be the race’s final judge.
CULTURE
Aller offers a rich cultural heritage featuring such monuments as the Romanesque Church of San Vicente de Serrapio (or Saint Vincent of Serrapio) and the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Miravalles (or Our Lady of Miravalles). The Feast of the Humanitarians of Saint Martin, held on the 11th of November in Moreda, is one of the council’s most important events.
SPORTS
Aller’s natural surroundings allow for the practice of sports to take place year-round. In winter, it is the time for snow lovers. During the summer, the green landscapes become the ideal setting in which to practice outdoor sports.
GASTRONOMY
Aller’s gastronomy stands out for its connection to Asturian tradition. Dishes such as cabbage stew, made using local produce, and roast beef and lamb, are the main protagonists.
FUN FACT
165 kilometres make up the Central Mountain Cycling Ring that runs along Cotobello, among other places.
LEÓN PROVINCIAL COUNCIL
The Province of León is full of contrasts, from its varied orography to the gastronomic wealth of its land.
Throughout the vast territory of León, the landscape variety can be divided into two areas. On one side, the Galician-Leonese Mountains and the Cantabrian Mountains. On the other side, the Leonese Plateau. Different parts of the province contain such characteristic enclaves as the Picos de Europa National Park and the Las Médulas Natural Area – an ancient Roman mine, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This orographic wealth has resulted in a very diverse gastronomy with varying culinary facets. On the Western side, the Galician-Asturian influence marks the cuisine of El Bierzo. Astorga, on the other hand, is characterised for having more substantial dishes, with the maragato stew as its greatest example.
CYCLING
Ponferrada was the last Spanish city to host a Road World Championship in 2014. French rider, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, was crowned Road World Champion and German rider, Lisa Brennauer, did likewise in the time trial.
CULTURE
The Cathedral is one of the most emblematic icons of the city of León. Having been through different time periods, it is an emblem of the French Gothic style. Its architects’ French origins give the building a look that is reminiscent of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
SPORTS
Ademar León, a regular at the top of the ASOBAL League table, was also the last club where one of the most decorated local athletes, Juanín García, played. Leonese wrestling, native to León, is one of the oldest sports in Europe.
GASTRONOMY
Leonese cuisine stands out mainly due to its meat products. Perhaps the most emblematic are the cecina (jerky) of León and the botillo, a smoked, cured pork sausage with a powerful flavour.
FUN FACT
Totalling 152 kilometres, the stage departing from La Robla will be the longest in La Vuelta Femenina 25 by Carrefour.es.
PRINCIPALITY OF ASTURIAS
If there’s one thing Asturians are proud of, besides their rich gastronomy, it is their natural surroundings. The characteristic Asturian climate and environment make it a unique setting for lovers of flora and fauna, as well as a paradise for those who love to practice outdoor sports.
Endless forests make its landscape a vast green mantle including up to seven UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. From the mountains to the coastline, nature marks the lifestyle of Asturias, with such diverse landscapes as the Llanes beaches or the abrupt geography of the mining basins.
The Principality of Asturias is a unique setting in which to practice cycling, and its presence in La Vuelta is one of the race’s signs of identity. Lagos de Covadonga, Alto de L’Angliru, Les Praeres, La Farrapona, Cuitu Negru, Altu d’El Gamoniteiru, the list of Asturian summits delights cyclotourists who find the Principality to have almost unparalleled terrain on which to enjoy cycling. In 2023, a few days after the 40th anniversary of La Vuelta’s first climb to the Lagos de Covadonga, the legendary Asturian climb crowned Annemiek van Vleuten the winner of the first edition of La Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour.es.
CYCLING
The Principality of Asturias is the birthplace of many famous cyclists. José Manuel Fuente ‘El Tarangu’ has been the only Asturian winner of La Vuelta, in 1972 and 1974. In 2008, Samuel Sánchez became the first and only Spanish rider to win Olympic gold for road cycling.
CULTURE
Asturias’ cultural heritage is just as impressive as its natural treasures. Oviedo’s Pre-Romanesque monuments, declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, its cave paintings and its routes of The Way of St. James are just some examples.
SPORTS
If there’s an Asturian who has flown the Principality’s flag high, it is undoubtedly Fernando Alonso. The two-time Formula 1 World Champion was the driving force behind the blue tide that flooded every circuit with Asturian flags.
GASTRONOMY
Cider and fabada (white bean stew) have only one rival when it comes to being the standard bearer for Asturian gastronomy: the cachopo. Asturians staunchly stand behind the recipe for this ‘book’ made up of beef, ham and cheese that is then breaded and fried.
FUN FACT
9 seconds separated Annemiek van Vleuten, winner of La Vuelta Femenina 23 by Carrefour.es, from Demi Vollering, who finished second and won at the Lagos de Covadonga in that edition’s final stage.
