The climb from Pola de Lena to the Alto del Cordal is viciously steep. Most people will find it difficult to save their strength which is desirable if this this climb is part of the approach to the infamous Angliru. The short ascent (only 5.2 kilometers) has an average gradient of 9.5%. In addition, the elevation gain is irregularly distributed over the distance. The first kilometer slopes 9.5%, the third 10.0% and the last kilometer is really hard at 13.4%. Kilometers 2 and 4 are a little easier. Unfortunately we didn't see the mountains around the road because, as so often in Asturias, we cycled through fog and drizzle. We saw almost no traffic here.