# 2014 Vuelta a España

The 2014 Vuelta a España took place between 23 August and 14 September 2014 and was the 69th edition of the race. 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. 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.
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 León Sánchez 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.
| Ag2r–La Mondiale Astana Belkin Pro Cycling BMC Racing Team Cannondale Caja Rural–Seguros RGA† Cofidis† FDJ.fr | Giant–Shimano Garmin–Sharp IAM Cycling† Lampre–Merida Lotto–Belisol Movistar Team MTN–Qhubeka† | Omega Pharma–Quick-Step Orica–GreenEDGE Team Europcar Team Katusha Team Sky Tinkoff–Saxo Trek Factory Racing |
†: 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 and Alberto Contador announced they would compete in the Vuelta. 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 (UAE Team Emirates) are part of the Mouvement pour un cyclisme crédible (MPCC) which forbids cyclists from racing when cortisol concentrations drop below a specified threshold. On stage 11, Nairo Quintana withdrew from the race after crashing twice in two days.

## Route and stages

Stage results and characteristics :
| Stage | Date | Course | Distance | Type | Type | 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 | Rest day | Rest day | Rest day | 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 | Rest day | Rest day | Rest day | 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) |
| Final length | Final length | Final length | | | | |

## 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 | Movistar Team | Javier Aramendia |
| 3 | Michael Matthews | Michael Matthews | Nacer Bouhanni | Lluís Mas | Lluís Mas | Belkin Pro Cycling | Lluís Mas |
| 4 | John Degenkolb | Michael Matthews | Michael Matthews | Lluís Mas | Valerio Conti | Belkin Pro Cycling | Amets Txurruka |
| 5 | John Degenkolb | Michael Matthews | John Degenkolb | Lluís Mas | Sergio Pardilla | Belkin Pro Cycling | Pim Ligthart |
| 6 | Alejandro Valverde | Alejandro Valverde | John Degenkolb | Lluís Mas | Alejandro Valverde | Belkin Pro Cycling | Pim Ligthart |
| 7 | Alessandro De Marchi | Alejandro Valverde | John Degenkolb | Lluís Mas | Alejandro Valverde | Belkin Pro Cycling | Ryder Hesjedal |
| 8 | Nacer Bouhanni | Alejandro Valverde | John Degenkolb | Lluís Mas | Alejandro Valverde | Belkin Pro Cycling | Javier Aramendia |
| 9 | Winner Anacona | Nairo Quintana | John Degenkolb | Lluís Mas | Alejandro Valverde | Movistar Team | Lluís Mas |
| 10 | Tony Martin | Alberto Contador | John Degenkolb | Lluís Mas | Alejandro Valverde | Movistar Team | Tony Martin |
| 11 | Fabio Aru | Alberto Contador | John Degenkolb | Lluís Mas | Alejandro Valverde | Movistar Team | Vasil Kiryienka |
| 12 | John Degenkolb | Alberto Contador | John Degenkolb | Lluís Mas | Alejandro Valverde | Movistar Team | Matthias Krizek |
| 13 | Daniel Navarro | Alberto Contador | John Degenkolb | Lluís Mas | Alejandro Valverde | Movistar Team | Luis León Sánchez |
| 14 | Ryder Hesjedal | Alberto Contador | John Degenkolb | Luis León Sánchez | Alejandro Valverde | Movistar Team | Luis León Sánchez |
| 15 | Przemysław Niemiec | Alberto Contador | John Degenkolb | Alejandro Valverde | Alejandro Valverde | Team Katusha | Javier Aramendia |
| 16 | Alberto Contador | Alberto Contador | John Degenkolb | Luis León Sánchez | Alejandro Valverde | Team Katusha | Luis León Sánchez |
| 17 | John Degenkolb | Alberto Contador | John Degenkolb | Luis León Sánchez | Alejandro Valverde | Team Katusha | Bob Jungels |
| 18 | Fabio Aru | Alberto Contador | John Degenkolb | Luis León Sánchez | Alberto Contador | Team Katusha | Luis León Sánchez |
| 19 | Adam Hansen | Alberto Contador | John Degenkolb | Luis León Sánchez | Alberto Contador | Team Katusha | Pim Ligthart |
| 20 | Alberto Contador | Alberto Contador | John Degenkolb | Luis León Sánchez | Alberto Contador | Team Katusha | Jérôme Coppel |
| 21 | Adriano Malori | Alberto Contador | John Degenkolb | Luis León Sánchez | Alberto Contador | Team Katusha | Adriano Malori |
| Final | Final | Alberto Contador | John Degenkolb | Luis León Sánchez | Alberto Contador | Team Katusha | Chris Froome |

### Notes

* In Stage 4 Danilo Wyss, who was second in the combination classification, wore the white jersey, because Lluís Mas (in first place) wore the blue polka-dot jersey as leader of the mountains classification during that stage.
* In Stage 5, John Degenkolb, who was second in the points classification, wore the green jersey, because Michael Matthews (in first place) wore the red jersey as leader of the general classification during that stage.
* In Stages 7–9, Chris Froome, who was second in the combination classification, wore the white jersey, because Alejandro Valverde (in first place) wore the red jersey as leader of the general classification during that stage.
* In Stage 16, Joaquim Rodríguez, who was third in the combination classification, wore the white jersey, because Alejandro Valverde (in first place) wore the blue polka-dot jersey as leader of the mountains classification during that stage, while Alberto Contador (in second place) wore the red jersey as leader of the general classification during that stage.
* In Stages 19–21, Alejandro Valverde, who was second in the combination classification, wore the white jersey, because Alberto Contador (in first place) wore the red jersey as leader of the general classification during that stage.

## Classification standings

Legend :
| Denotes the leader of the General classification | Denotes the leader of the Mountains classification |
| Denotes the leader of the Points classification | 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" |