Vuelta 2014 Route stage 13: Belorado – Obregón/Parque De Cabárceno

Friday, September 5 – In preparation for the one and only climbing weekend in the 2014 Vuelta 2014, riders head in 188,7 kilometres from Belorado to Parque De Cabárceno, near Obregón. Interesting finale with a 24% sector!

Departure place Belorado is a hamlet in Castile and León. Until about 100 kilometers today’s stage is in fact a fairly predictable exercise, taking place between an altitude of 500 to 700 metres. Then it goes slightly up and in order of appearance the Alto de Estacas de Truebla (category 3, 1.150 altimetres), Puerto de la Braguia (category 3, 720 altimetres) and Alto de Caracol (category 2, 820 altimetres) are welcoming the riders. Next are the remaining 32 kilometres, mainly going down, but upon entering the Parque De Cabárceno (with 2.5 kilometres left) there’s a 700 metres stretch with a 24% grade. After this the final 1.8 kilometres are roling towards the finish line.

A transitional stage if there ever was one. Saving strength for tomorrow’s mountain stage, the first in a row of three.

Parque De Cabárceno is at 15 kilometers from Santander. Hundreds of animal species live in the wild in this national park, which was once an iron mining site.