The second ascent is the Col de La Pierre Saint Martin, which was the first high mountain climb in last year’s Tour de France. Despite an early attack by Robert Gesink, Chris Froome seized power on the higher slopes. The Briton took the yelow jersey to retain it for the rest of the race.
In stage 14 Vuelta a España there’s is a lot to win. Obviously time, yet there is another factor that might be almost as important: prestige. The Aubisque is one of the most infamous climbs in cycling history. It is striking though, that only three stages in the Tour de France have ever finished at the top, while it is the most climbed mountain in the history of the race.
The riders tackle the Aubisque in stage 14 of the Vuelta from Laruns. This means an 16.6 kilometres ascent at 7.2% with steepest sectors at 13%.
Favourites 14th stage Vuelta a España
*** Chris Froome, Nairo Quintana, Alberto Contador, Esteban Chaves
** Robert Gesink, Tejay van Garderen
* Samuel Sánchez, Andrew Talansky, Thomas De Gendt
Vuelta a España 2016 Stage 14: Route maps, height profiles, etc
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Climb details Col Inharpu
Climb details Col du Soudet
Climb details Col du Soudet
Climb details Col d’Aubsique 
