A full day today, ride from the hotel through small villages into the higher mountains. Our morning destination is the category 1 Puerto de Alisas, a climb featured regularly in many Vueltas. After dropping down to near sea level contemplate our next challenge, the unique Pena Cabarga climb. Another cat 1, the Cabarga was raced up 2 years ago with Froome of Team Sky taking the win. It is only 6km long but the views from the top of the coastline explain the average 9% slopes that hit 19% for a few horrible metres. Descend back down to our tranquil beach resort on the Cantabrian coastline. Maybe even time for a quick late evening dip in the sea?

Today's route takes in the stunning Picos de Europa, often voted as one of the most beautiful spots in Europe. A morning ride takes us past flowing rivers as we pedal onto the mountain village of Potes, our base for the next 2 evenings. From here we will climb the col of Fuente De (a gentler ascent), made famous in 2012 as the place Contador sealed his Vuelta victory. From this picturesque high head back down to our mountain retreat hotel and enjoy a group dinner together

An optional ride or rest day to explore this pleasant market town. Options exist to take a hike in the Picos, maybe venturing up the cable car. Potes is one of the most attractive villages in Cantabria and is surrounded by spectacular mountains and the interesting local stone housed villages. For those who would like to ride the bike, we will taking a spin out to the conquer the picturesque Puerto Piedra Luengas pass, heading onto the village of Cuervas de Pisuerguera. A free day to dine, try regional favourites like "cocido lebaniego" (mountain stew).

Another epic day of riding awaits as we start by pedalling up the smooth hairpins of the San Glorio pass to a height of 1206 metres. The scenery of the surrounding mountains is breath taking (as is this 26km climb!). After this grand achievement we ride down through gorges before ascending again to a viewpoint that shows off a vista unsurpassed. What goes up must come down and so enjoy a descent of over 40km to tonight's town of Cangas de Onis Cangas is a great place for bars, restaurants, and of course the famous cider.

Lakes of Covadonga,
El Fito,
Vilavicosa


95km

The morning is all about the ascent to the Lagos de Covadonga, a hors category thriller which is the most famous climb in Spain and many a past Vuelta has been decided here. Making it to the high lakes at the top cruise back down to continue along a valley of flat and fast roads. After fuelling up for lunch, try the short category 1 "El Fito" to reach a 360 degree viewpoint of stunning vistas. Descend down the smooth tarmac along the green Asturian valleys, finishing in Vilavicosa. Stay in a restored 17th century inn in the historic centre.

Our final riding day could be the best! Cycle to the base of the most feared climb anywhere on the cycling race circuit - the mythical Angliru. This hors cat mountain will challenge us like no other climb. A 12.5km hairpin ascent of super steep bends of upto 23.5% (avg of 10%), your triple/compact chainset will be needed! A test for all climbers (previous Vuelta winners include Contador, Heras and Simoni), this was where Wiggins cracked to lose the red jersey to Cobo in 2011. We transfer back to our beautiful rural hotel in Labiana and enjoy a group meal. Uncork a few bottles of Asturiano cider to celebrate our mountain adventure.

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye as we take our transfers to Oviedo-Asturias airport or a drop off in the interesting city of Gijon. Options to extend your stay in Gijon.