Stage 4 started off with a fierce climb - Gamontiero - steep from the start, 12% for most of the first 8 km, then a turn off to 6 km on a small single lane road to a weather station. Bits of rough cement, cow herds, low clouds and near freezing temps greeted riders at the top. However, there was no rain, so the weather-induced views were still a treat. A cool descent soon followed, but Aimar was lakeside with Feed Stop #1 with coffee to warm us up.
Next up was the San Lorenzo, equally as hard if not more so than its predecessor with 14-15% stretches to get there. But there was sun at the top and a dry descent.
Heading to lunch we tackled Somiedo. Ashley, Jered, Jen and I (aka Team America) made our way up the long climb and onto lunch which was nestled alongside a cafe with fresh hot chocolate - real Spanish hot chocolate! At this point, we were already near or past 4,000 meters climbed for the day. Two more climbs remained.
Rain found us again on the way to Laiteriogos as Jen and I neared the top but luckily the sun came back out on the descent.
From there it was on to El Acebu. A steep twisty descent took the route down to a valley and then towards this final climb. It was quite warm at the base and most of the way up but as we neared the top, dark clouds lingered and the rain returned on the descent making it quite cold.
Resting now for what is deemed the queen stage...
Near the top of Gamonitiero, clouds and near freezing moonscape views
Gamonitiero descent, well worth the climb and cold
Nearing the top of Puerto Somiedo
The top of El Acebu, rain is on its way...
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