Monumento al ciclista

Monumento al ciclista is a small but meaningful monument in the municipality of Riotuerto, Cantabria, paying tribute to cyclists and the region's cycling tradition. It stands beside the road linking La Cavada and Arredondo, just a few dozen metres before the summit of Puerto de Alisas — one of the best-known mountain passes among cyclists in Cantabria.

What will you see there?

The monument is a group of three cyclist figures made from Corten steel, a material that develops a warm rust-orange patina as it weathers. The piece was created by sculptor Mercedes Elvira. The three figures, captured mid-effort, represent the shared struggle of cyclists climbing mountain roads — and Puerto de Alisas fits that image perfectly: a demanding ascent rewarded with views over Cantabria's green hills.

The monument was unveiled in 2003 by Miguel Ángel Revilla, Cantabria's long-serving regional president, alongside local officials including Riotuerto's then-mayor José Martínez, plus numerous professional and former professional cyclists. The location was no accident: Puerto de Alisas has long been a classic climb featured in regional and national cycling races, and since 2011 it has appeared regularly on the route of the Vuelta a España.

How do you get there?

The Monumento al ciclista sits on the road connecting La Cavada and Arredondo, within Riotuerto municipality, close to the top of the Alisas pass. This route is popular among road cyclists training in Cantabria, many of whom treat the monument as a natural stopping point before or after the climb. Access by car is straightforward — the road is paved and open year-round, though it's worth checking conditions on the upper stretches of the pass in winter.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and summer are ideal, when the surrounding hills are green and cyclist traffic on the pass is at its peak — visitors can often watch riders training on the very stretch the monument commemorates. Autumn also works well, with lighter traffic and mild climbing temperatures. Winter can make the pass less welcoming, though the monument itself remains accessible all year.

Who is this place for?

The monument is especially interesting for road cycling enthusiasts and followers of the Vuelta a España, since Puerto de Alisas is one of the climbs that regularly features in Spain's Grand Tour. For passing travellers, it makes a brief but worthwhile stop while crossing Cantabria, blending public art with mountain scenery.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Monumento al ciclista located? On the road between La Cavada and Arredondo, in the municipality of Riotuerto, a few metres before the summit of Puerto de Alisas.

What is the monument made of? Corten steel, which develops a distinctive rust-coloured patina over time. It was created by sculptor Mercedes Elvira.

When was the monument built? It was unveiled in 2003 by Miguel Ángel Revilla, then president of the regional government of Cantabria.

Does Puerto de Alisas have sporting significance? Yes — it's a classic climb used in regional cycling races and has featured regularly on the Vuelta a España route since 2011.