2014 Vuelta a España

2014 Vuelta a España
2014 UCI World Tour, race 22 of 29
Race details
Dates 23 August – 14 September
Stages 21
Distance 3,181.5 km (1,977 mi)
Winning time 81h 25' 05"
Results
Winner  Alberto Contador (ESP) (Tinkoff–Saxo)
Second  Chris Froome (GBR) (Team Sky)
Third  Alejandro Valverde (ESP) (Movistar Team)
Points  John Degenkolb (GER) (Giant–Shimano)
Mountains  Luis León Sánchez (ESP) (Caja Rural–Seguros RGA)
Combination  Alberto Contador (ESP) (Tinkoff–Saxo)
Team Team Katusha

The 2014 Vuelta a España took place between 23 August and 14 September 2014 and was the 69th edition of the race.[1] It featured eight mountain stages, five hill stages, five flat stages, and three time trials (one team and two individual), two of which appeared at the beginning and end of the race. Jerez de la Frontera, on the Spanish south coast, hosted the opening stage. The Vuelta then went counterclockwise, through the south-east and east of the country before crossing the north and finishing in Santiago de Compostela. This was the first time in 21 years that the race has finished outside Madrid.

The race was won for the third time by Spanish rider, Alberto Contador, of Tinkoff–Saxo.[2] Contador went into the race uncertain of his form after crashing out of the Tour on the 10th stage, breaking his tibia. However, Contador found his form in the race earlier than expected, taking the red jersey on the 10th stage individual time trial and taking two key mountain stage wins on his way to victory. He won the race by 1' 10" over runner-up, Chris Froome of Team Sky. Like Contador, Froome also went into the race uncertain of his form after he crashed three times in two days during the Tour, leading to his withdrawal. However, Froome came to life during the third week, finishing second in three key mountain stages and taking time to move into second place overall. Spanish rider Alejandro Valverde of the Movistar Team completed the podium, finishing 40 seconds behind Froome and 1 minute and 50 seconds behind Contador. Valverde also took the sixth stage of the race going to La Zubia, the race's first mountain stage.[3]

In the race's other classifications, John Degenkolb of Giant–Shimano won the green jersey for the points classification. Degenkolb took four stage wins, the most by any rider in the race. The blue polka-dot jersey for the mountains classification was taken by Spaniard Luis Leon Sanchez of Caja Rural–Seguros RGA. Aside from taking the red jersey, Contador also won the white jersey for the combination classification. He took the first place in the general classification, third place in the points classification and second place in the mountains classification. Team Katusha took the team classification for accumulating the lowest time from their three best cyclists.

Teams

The 18 UCI World Tour teams were automatically entitled to start the race; four wildcard teams were also invited.

†: Invited UCI Pro Continental teams

Pre-race favourites

Before the start of the race, defending champion, Chris Horner, 2014 Giro d'Italia champion Nairo Quintana, Joaquim Rodríguez and Alejandro Valverde were among the favourites for overall victory. After abandoning the Tour de France, Chris Froome [4] and Alberto Contador [5] announced they would compete in the Vuelta.[6] Other possible contenders could emerge from Wilco Kelderman, Carlos Betancur, Fabio Aru, Thibaut Pinot, Ryder Hesjedal, Rigoberto Urán, Andrew Talansky and Dan Martin.

The day before the Vuelta began, Chris Horner was withdrawn from the race due to low levels of cortisol. This is because Lampre–Merida are part of the Mouvement pour un cyclisme crédible (MPCC) which forbids cyclists from racing when cortisol concentrations drop below a specificed threshold.[7] On stage 11, Nairo Quintana withdrew from the race after crashing twice in two days.[8]

Route and stages

Stage results and characteristics[9]
Stage Date Course Distance Type[10] Winner
1 23 August Jerez de la Frontera 12.6 km (7.8 mi) Team time trial Movistar Team
2 24 August Algeciras – San Fernando 174.4 km (108.4 mi) Flat stage  Nacer Bouhanni (FRA)
3 25 August Cádiz – Arcos de la Frontera 197.8 km (122.9 mi) Hilly stage  Michael Matthews (AUS)
4 26 August Mairena del Alcor – Córdoba 164.7 km (102.3 mi) Medium-mountain stage  John Degenkolb (GER)
5 27 August Priego de Córdoba – Ronda 180 km (110 mi) Flat stage  John Degenkolb (GER)
6 28 August Benalmádena – Cumbres Verdes, La Zubia 167.1 km (103.8 mi) Mountain stage  Alejandro Valverde (ESP)
7 29 August Alhendín – Alcaudete 169 km (105 mi) Hilly stage  Alessandro De Marchi (ITA)
8 30 August Baeza – Albacete 207 km (129 mi) Flat stage  Nacer Bouhanni (FRA)
9 31 August Carboneras de Guadazaón – Aramón Valdelinares 185 km (115 mi) Mountain stage  Winner Anacona (COL)
1 September Rest day
10 2 September Monasterio de Santa María de Veruela – Borja 36.7 km (22.8 mi) Individual time trial  Tony Martin (GER)
11 3 September Pamplona – Santuario de San Miguel de Aralar 153.4 km (95.3 mi) Mountain stage  Fabio Aru (ITA)
12 4 September Logroño – Logroño 166.4 km (103.4 mi) Flat stage  John Degenkolb (GER)
13 5 September Belorado – Obregón, Parque de Cabárceno 188.7 km (117.3 mi) Medium-mountain stage  Daniel Navarro (ESP)
14 6 September Santander – La Camperona, Valle de Sábero 200.8 km (124.8 mi) Mountain stage  Ryder Hesjedal (CAN)
15 7 September Oviedo – Lagos de Covadonga 152.2 km (94.6 mi) Mountain stage  Przemysław Niemiec (POL)
16 8 September San Martín del Rey Aurelio – La Farrapona, Lagos de Somiedo 160.5 km (99.7 mi) Mountain stage  Alberto Contador (ESP)
9 September Rest day
17 10 September Ortigueira – A Coruña 190.7 km (118.5 mi) Flat stage  John Degenkolb (GER)
18 11 September A Estrada – Mont Castrove, Meis 157 km (98 mi) Medium-mountain stage  Fabio Aru (ITA)
19 12 September Salvaterra de Miño – Cangas do Morrazo 180.5 km (112.2 mi) Medium-mountain stage  Adam Hansen (AUS)
20 13 September Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil – Puerto de Ancares 185.7 km (115.4 mi) Mountain stage  Alberto Contador (ESP)
21 14 September Santiago de Compostela 9.7 km (6.0 mi) Individual time trial  Adriano Malori (ITA)

Classification leadership table

There were four main classifications contested in the 2014 Vuelta a España, with the most important being the general classification. The general classification was calculated by adding each cyclist's finishing times on each stage. The cyclist with the least accumulated time was the race leader, identified by the red jersey; the winner of this classification was considered the winner of the Vuelta. In 2014, there were time bonuses given on mass-start stages; ten seconds were awarded to the stage winner, with six for second and four for third.

Additionally, there was a points classification, which awards a green jersey. In the points classification, cyclists get points for finishing among the best in a stage finish, or in intermediate sprints. The cyclist with the most points led the classification, and is identified with a green jersey. There was also a mountains classification. The organisation categorised some climbs as either Categoria Especial, first, second or third category; points for this classification were won by the first cyclists that reach the top of these climbs, with more points available for the higher-categorised climbs. The cyclist with the most points led the classification, and was identified with a blue polka dot jersey.

The fourth individual classification was the combination classification, marked by the white jersey. This classification is calculated by adding the numeral ranks of each cyclist in the general, points and mountains classifications – a rider must have a score in all classifications possible to qualify for the combination classification – with the lowest cumulative total signifying the winner of this competition.

For the team classification, the times of the best three cyclists per team on each stage were added; the leading team is the team with the lowest total time. For the combativity award, a jury gives points after each stage to the cyclists they considered most combative. The cyclist with the most votes in all stages leads the classification. For the daily combative winner, the rider in question donned a dossard with a red background, on the following stage.

Stage Winner General classification
 Points classification
 Mountains classification
 Combination classification
 Team classification Combativity award
1 Movistar Team Jonathan Castroviejo not awarded not awarded not awarded Movistar Team not awarded
2 Nacer Bouhanni Alejandro Valverde Nacer Bouhanni Nathan Haas Valerio Conti Javier Aramendia
3 Michael Matthews Michael Matthews Lluís Mas Lluís Mas Belkin Pro Cycling Lluís Mas
4 John Degenkolb Michael Matthews Valerio Conti Amets Txurruka
5 John Degenkolb John Degenkolb Sergio Pardilla Pim Ligthart
6 Alejandro Valverde Alejandro Valverde Alejandro Valverde Pim Ligthart
7 Alessandro De Marchi Ryder Hesjedal
8 Nacer Bouhanni Javier Aramendia
9 Winner Anacona Nairo Quintana Movistar Team Lluís Mas
10 Tony Martin Alberto Contador Tony Martin
11 Fabio Aru Vasil Kiryienka
12 John Degenkolb Matthias Krizek
13 Daniel Navarro Luis León Sánchez
14 Ryder Hesjedal Luis León Sánchez Luis León Sánchez
15 Przemysław Niemiec Alejandro Valverde Team Katusha Javier Aramendia
16 Alberto Contador Luis León Sánchez Luis León Sánchez
17 John Degenkolb Bob Jungels
18 Fabio Aru Alberto Contador Luis León Sánchez
19 Adam Hansen Pim Ligthart
20 Alberto Contador Jérôme Coppel
21 Adriano Malori Adriano Malori
Final Alberto Contador John Degenkolb Luis León Sánchez Alberto Contador Team Katusha Chris Froome
Notes

Classification standings

Legend
  Red jersey   Denotes the leader of the General classification   Blue polka dot jersey   Denotes the leader of the Mountains classification
  Green jersey   Denotes the leader of the Points classification   White jersey   Denotes the leader of the Combination rider classification

General classification

Rider Team Time
1  Alberto Contador (ESP) Tinkoff–Saxo 81h 25' 05"
2  Chris Froome (GBR) Team Sky + 1' 10"
3  Alejandro Valverde (ESP) Movistar Team + 1' 50"
4  Joaquim Rodríguez (ESP) Team Katusha + 3' 25"
5  Fabio Aru (ITA) Astana + 4' 48"
6  Samuel Sánchez (ESP) BMC Racing Team + 9' 30"
7  Dan Martin (IRL) Garmin–Sharp + 10' 38"
8  Warren Barguil (FRA) Giant–Shimano + 11' 50"
9  Damiano Caruso (ITA) Cannondale + 12' 50"
10  Daniel Navarro (ESP) Cofidis + 13' 02"

Points classification

Rider Team Points
1  John Degenkolb (GER) Giant–Shimano 169
2  Alejandro Valverde (ESP) Movistar Team 146
3  Alberto Contador (ESP) Tinkoff–Saxo 145
4  Chris Froome (GBR) Team Sky 139
5  Joaquim Rodríguez (ESP) Team Katusha 117
6  Michael Matthews (AUS) Orica–GreenEDGE 105
7  Fabio Aru (ITA) Astana 103
8  Dan Martin (IRL) Garmin–Sharp 85
9  Jasper Stuyven (BEL) Trek Factory Racing 71
10  Damiano Caruso (ITA) Cannondale 61

King of the Mountains classification

Rider Team Points
1  Luis León Sánchez (ESP) Caja Rural–Seguros RGA 58
2  Alberto Contador (ESP) Tinkoff–Saxo 45
3  Alejandro Valverde (ESP) Movistar Team 40
4  Przemysław Niemiec (POL) Lampre–Merida 33
5  Chris Froome (GBR) Team Sky 33
6  Lluís Mas (ESP) Caja Rural–Seguros RGA 20
7  Fabio Aru (ITA) Astana 19
8  Joaquim Rodríguez (ESP) Team Katusha 19
9  Winner Anacona (COL) Lampre–Merida 18
10  Alessandro De Marchi (ITA) Cannondale 18

Combination classification

Rider Team Points
1  Alberto Contador (ESP) Tinkoff–Saxo 6
2  Alejandro Valverde (ESP) Movistar Team 8
3  Chris Froome (GBR) Team Sky 11
4  Joaquim Rodríguez (ESP) Team Katusha 17
5  Fabio Aru (ITA) Astana 19
6  Ryder Hesjedal (CAN) Garmin–Sharp 48
7  Przemysław Niemiec (POL) Lampre–Merida 49
8  Winner Anacona (COL) Lampre–Merida 62
9  Warren Barguil (FRA) Giant–Shimano 63
10  Samuel Sánchez (ESP) BMC Racing Team 64

Team classification

Pos. Team Time
1 Team Katusha 244h 19' 36"
2 Movistar Team + 38' 54"
3 Tinkoff–Saxo + 40' 16"
4 Cofidis + 52' 33"
5 Team Sky + 1h 06' 31"
6 Astana + 1h 08' 09"
7 Garmin–Sharp + 1h 17' 06"
8 BMC Racing Team + 1h 17' 32"
9 Belkin Pro Cycling + 2h 13' 06"
10 Lotto–Belisol + 2h 54' 48"

References

  1. ↑ "2014 Vuelta a España". lavuelta. Retrieved 1 June 2014.
  2. ↑ "Contador seals overall 2014 Vuelta a España victory". Cycling News. 14 September 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  3. ↑ "Spain's Alberto Contador secures his third Vuelta a España title". Guardian. 14 September 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  4. ↑ "Froome talks about devastating Tour de France abandon". Cyclingnews.com. Retrieved 2014-08-20.
  5. ↑ Sadhbh O'Shea. "Contador announces he will ride the Vuelta a Espana". Cyclingnews.com. Retrieved 2014-08-20.
  6. ↑ "Team Sky Announces Roster for Vuelta a Espana 2014 | RoadCycling.com". RoadCycling.com. Retrieved 2014-08-20.
  7. ↑ "Chris Horner out of Vuelta a Espana due to low cortisol levels". Cyclingnews.com. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
  8. ↑ "BBC Sport - Vuelta a Espana: Nairo Quintana crashes out of race". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
  9. ↑ "La Vuelta '14" [The Tour '14] (PDF). Vuelta a España (in Spanish). Unipublic. pp. 1–15. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 June 2015. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
  10. ↑ "La Vuelta route". Retrieved 23 July 2014.

External links

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