All Access Gallery: Fans of La Vuelta

Fans line the final kilomters of the climb to Bola del Mundo, right under the ski lift. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Multi-tasking fans are all the rage, snapping pics, shouting and watching the race fly by. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Joaquim Rodríguez navigates his way through the corridor of flags on the 24-percent grade of Cuitu Negru. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

The show before the show on the slopes of Lagos de Covadonga. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Poised and ready to grab that all important shot of their favorite rider. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

A Basque fan troop cheers on all the riders in the Vuelta. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Jurgen Van Den Broeck's pace is matched by Spanish fans, at least for a few meters. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

It's standing room only atop the Bola del Mundo climb in the Vuelta. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Contador fans get up close and personal as the race leader passes by them only inches away. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

The climb of Bola del Mundo is lined the entire way with cheers, flags, pushes and writings of encouragement for the riders. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Fans who made the trek to the summit of the Bola del Mundo at 2,247m, are treated to simply spectacular views. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Spanish fans do know how to enjoy a cerveza on the mountain. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

On the climb of Puerto de Navafrí­a, a small shrine is erected in honor of the late Spanish climbing ace, Jose Maria Jimenez. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Only at the Vuelta can fans get this kind of access. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

The leg-breaking ascent of Cuitu Negru finishes literally at the top of the ski lift. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

The convergence of different forms of transport on the climb to Lagos de Covadonga. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Where the Belgians love their beer, the Spanish do favor the vino. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Siestas are becoming a requisite in advance of the race passing by. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

A more relaxed atmosphere means easier access and more interaction between riders and fans. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

The plaza in Santiago de Compostela is filled to capacity with fans. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Even Julian Dean can be a spectator when the scene is that special. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Cheers, cheers, and more cheers for Chris Froome on the Mirador de ɉzaro. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Encouragement or distraction for Contador? Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Fans lined the insanely steep Mirador de Ézaro, eager to see the riders negotiate the 30-percent grade. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Little guys can pack a big shout for the riders. BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Nicholas Roche is a huge fan favorite in Spain. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

In the Spanish tradition, siesta is called for before the race arrives. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Costumes are always a part of the fan scene in cycling. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Basque fans cheer Spanish rider Luis Mate of French team Cofidis over the summit of the Puerto de Orduña. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com

Fans line the summit of the Puerto de Orduña awaiting the peloton of La Vuelta. Photo: BrakeThrough Media | VeloNews.com