Sporting Gijón Conquers Angliru with ALS Patient Capitán Under 'Empuxa' Banner

Real Sporting Gijón recently culminated a solidarity ascent of the Angliru, one of the iconic climbs in the Vuelta a España cycling race, in honor of former athlete José Luis Capitán 'Capi.' Capitán, who is living with ALS, participated in the event, which was held on June 22 and serves as the kickoff for the club's 2026-27 season under the motto 'Empuxa' (Push).

Capitán proposed the idea to Sporting and its Foundation, suggesting they ascend the Angliru with his adapted chair. Nearly a hundred people joined the 'rojiblanca' (red-and-white) contingent, including current first-team players Guille Rosas and Pablo Vázquez, women's team players Ainhoa and Cristina, former players like Eloy Olaya, Cote, and Canella, club staff, and sponsors.

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I wanted to propose to Sporting and its Foundation that next summer we climb the Angliru with my adapted chair, what do you think?

The route, organized in collaboration with the Real Sporting Foundation - Marea Rojiblanca, extended from the Viapará Recreational Area to the summit of the Angliru, reaching an altitude of 1,570 meters. The event also received support from the Ezina Ekinez Egina Association and ELA Principado.

Capitán, who holds the record for the fastest ascent of the Angliru on foot (1 hour, 36 seconds in 2005), received a commemorative medal at the summit from the children of the late former Sporting player and Romanian international, Marcel Sabou. The mayor of Riosa, Roberto Álvarez, also attended, highlighting the Angliru's significance to the municipality. Capitán expressed his gratitude for the collective effort, stating that they had "turned dreams into reality" and dedicated the tribute to Sabou's memory.

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we have managed to turn dreams into reality